Football officially returns tonight and I'll be glued to NBC while smiling from ear to ear thinking about the 500-plus games on the docket over the next six months. To celebrate the occasion I'm hosting a "Rotoworld Live Chat" today at 3:00 p.m. EST, which you can check out by clicking here. All questions are welcome, but we'll try to stray from the usual "sit or start?" queries to focus on the big picture.
While you clear your schedule to chat with me this afternoon-it's opening night, your boss will understand-here are some notes from around football .
* Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that the Broncos "plan on rotating" Selvin Young and Andre Hall to begin the season, which certainly isn't shocking given coach Mike Shanahan's annual quest to make fantasy owners sorry for drafting his presumptive No. 1 runner. Shanahan's presence always makes it difficult to predict how Denver's backfield will shake out, but for now it seems fairly simple.
Like last season, Young figures to get the bulk of the work between the 20-yard lines, which is to say that he'll do most of the heavy lifting before giving way to a short-yardage specialist at the goal line. Last year that role was spread between several players, but this time around it'll definitely be Hall vulturing touchdowns that Young can't cash in from long distance.
While that arrangement limits Young's upside, it shouldn't come as a shock and won't keep him from being a solid RB2 option as long as he plays well and stays healthy. He should be able to get around 200 carries and 40-50 catches, which is more than enough touches to make an impact even if Hall steals a handful of scores at the goal line. Young is worth starting, while Hall is worth owning.
* Coach Jon Gruden revealed Wednesday that Antonio Bryant will start Week 1 alongside Joey Galloway, providing a great opportunity for one of the Rotoworld Draft Guide 's favorite value picks. Released by the 49ers last year after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, Bryant ended up sitting out his entire age-26 season before signing a one-year deal with the Bucs for the veteran's minimum.
Landing in Tampa Bay seemed like a great fit immediately and Bryant is now in position to put together a big comeback campaign as the Bucs' flanker. He has plenty of baggage and it's possible that he may have lost a step during what was essentially a lost season, but Bryant averaged 850 yards on 55 grabs during the previous three seasons despite playing for some brutal passing attacks.
Sports
Galloway is still the man in Tampa Bay, but gets fewer targets than most No. 1 wideouts because he's primarily a deep threat. Plus, he's 37 years old and the fountain of youth has to dry up at some point. Bryant will have to hold off Michael Clayton, Ike Hilliard, and Maurice Stovall, but could emerge as a WR2 option if he can stay healthy and out of trouble. He's definitely worth gambling on.
* Responding to reports that his surgically repaired knee might be well enough for him to play in the Seahawks' opener, Deion Branch said Tuesday that he's not ready "right now." Coach Mike Holmgren agreed with his assessment, saying Wednesday that Branch is unlikely to suit up against the Bills this week. Worse, the Tacoma News Tribune speculates that "he's not close to being ready."
After going without a catch in Week 1 last season Branch turned in three straight big games, totaling 329 yards on 20 catches, but now seems unlikely to make an impact before October. Courtney Taylor will start at flanker for however long he's out and makes for a sneaky WR3 option this week even if the Seahawks are true to their word by featuring a more balanced offensive attack.
* Speaking of Seattle's offense, Holmgren confirmed Wednesday that Maurice Morris will get the Week 1 start over Julius Jones. Yesterday in this space my guess was that Morris and Jones would split time and that remains a pretty good bet, although Holmgren indicated that Morris will be given first crack at emerging with a bigger slice of the carries. Neither guy is a strong RB2 play this week.
Two-Minute Drill: After 102 catches last season, Brandon Marshall said Tuesday that his totally unattainable goal is to haul in 140 passes this year despite a one-game suspension . According to agent Drew Rosenhaus, "there's a very good chance Lito Sheppard gets traded in the next few weeks" . After previously demanding a trade, Anquan Boldin is now saying that his contract status won't be an issue during the season . Kyle Boller's (shoulder) season is over after he was placed on injured reserve Wednesday and the Ravens signed Todd Bouman to back up rookie Joe Flacco in Week 1 . Told that Michael Turner expects 300 carries, offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey replied: "I've never said he's going to get 300 and I probably never will" . Chad Jackson wasn't offered a job after trying out for the Raiders this week, which is probably all you need to know about his career at this point . Similarly, Cedric Benson reportedly tried out for the Saints recently, but predictably wasn't offered a contract . With Kevin Faulk suspended, LaMont Jordan will see Week 1 action on passing downs . Stuck behind Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn, Michael Bennett said Wednesday that he doesn't expect to play much this year due to his lack of reps in practice.
Red Zone: Amid radio-fueled rumors about Tom Brady's foot, coach Bill Belichick uncharacteristically discussed an injury Wednesday by noting that "he'll be ready to go" against the Chiefs . Meanwhile, Peyton Manning (knee) practiced fully Wednesday and will start Sunday night versus the Bears . Willis McGahee (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, hinting that he'll get less than a full workload in Week 1 even if he starts . Ryan Grant (hamstring) missed his second straight practice Wednesday, putting his status for Monday night in some question . Wes Welker (ribs) is absent from the Patriots' injury report, but Ben Watson sat out Wednesday's practice with an undisclosed knee injury . Jerry Porter (hamstring) practiced Wednesday, but his status remains uncertain the season opener . According to coach Lane Kiffin, Javon Walker (hamstring) is "questionable" to face his former Broncos teammates Monday night . Reggie Brown (hamstring) was limited in his return to practice Wednesday, but figures to see tons of Week 1 targets with Kevin Curtis (hernia) out . Bernard Berrian's turf toe is healed enough that he's absent from the Vikings' injury report.
