Week One's Version of the Start or Sit is by far the most difficult to compile. Certainly we have a clue as to who will put up big numbers, but our rankings attempt to take into account the fact that many national stars will be blowing kisses to their girlfriends and making post game plans as early as late in the second quarter. For every anticipated fantasy shootout, like SMU and Rice, there are ten games that have blowout written all over them.
What are the weekly player rankings? They're simply how we see the top national players performing each week.
You'll notice we've carried over the tier designations (QB1, QB2, etc) into the weekly rankings. It's our way we break down players into different groups.
QB1/RB1/etc. mean a player is an elite starter. The best of the best. High end fantasy stud with a good matchup.
QB2/RB2/etc. is obviously the next level of point scores. It could be an elite player with a slightly less desirable matchup than his peers, or a lesser known player that will get his chance to shine against an inferior opponent.
QB3/RB3/etc means he's a reserve to plug, or even a top guy that may be down a bit (injury, tough matchup, etc.) Many of these we will touch on in our 'Sit Em' list. As always check out our player news for any injury updates as we will not be updating our rankings after they've been posted.
QB4/RB4/etc is the final grouping of all the rest. Guys we would avoid unless you absolutely must play them. Simply put, we had to draw the line in our rankings somewhere.
Sports
How can this weekly tool be most useful to owners? They'll help you make some difficult lineup choices, ones where you simply cannot decide between your four solid wide receivers, or pick those two running backs. We don't have crystal balls, but we've done an insane amount of research, and we watch an unhealthy amount of football. And we do so while looking through the lenses of a fantasy diehard.
Accompanying each Start or Sit will be comments based on gut feelings.you know that fantasy vibe. We're not going to talk about Tim Tebow, Chase Daniel or Michael Crabtree. There's a reason these guys went in the first round. They're no-brainers. We want to talk about those guys who have a shot at surpassing our weekly projections, fellas with maybe a little higher ceiling, and those that cause us to worry that they may be shut down.
Without further ado, it's Start or Sit.Week One style!
Start Em: Quarterbacks
Trevor Vittatoe, UTEP at Buffalo
The Miners travel to Buffalo, and this is one of the Week 1 tilts we'll be watching. Certainly we're a little concerned about the cross-country road trip, however Turner Gill's squad played before only close family and friends a season ago, so a big crowd is not expected. James Starks helps keep the Bulls around, and this is good for Vittatoe.
Willie Tuitama, Arizona vs. Idaho
Willie T has been very sharp throughout camp, and based on recent comments, OC Sonny Dykes is looking to prove last year's mediocre offensive numbers were the exception, not the rule. Tuitama is poised, and Idaho's secondary is in trouble.
Josh Freeman, Kansas State vs. North Texas
This is a make or break year for both Freeman and his head coach, and opening against North Texas is just what the doctor ordered. This talented but inconsistent Big XII quarterback should shine, and it's weeks like this when drafting a flaky producer works out.
Case Keenum, Houston vs. Southern
Can't write a piece without mentioning my man Case. I'll be tailgating in Berkeley when Case takes the field against Southern, but Alex can rest assured that I'll have my iPhone handy, checking in to see how my boy is doing. Expectations are high for Case, and we know you're up to it.
Thaddeus Lewis, Duke vs. James Madison
It's not often we get to recommended starting anyone from Duke, so one must jump at the chance when it's presented. Blue Devil faithful can rejoice in the fact that Lewis is on this list, or lament that he's here because the Duke vs. James Madison game will be a close one that could go either way. It's up to you.
Casey Dick, Arkansas vs. Western Illinois
Dick would have never sniffed our rankings last year. With Petrino now calling the shots, we are intrigued.
Sit Em: Quarterbacks
Tyler Sheehan, Bowling Green at Pitt
We've made no attempt to hide our skepticism regarding all things Dave Wannstedt, however we think the stache may have something brewing in Iron City land. Pitt will pound McCoy and a few others, and when Sheehan does see the field he'll have a lot of Panthers in his face. Sheehan's owners should wait for the MAC.
Brian Johnson, Utah at Michigan
I like Brian Johnson, and I really like Utah to hang around in this game. However this contest has slopfest written all over it. I'm talking a 17-16 tilt that makes both these teams appear worse than they actually are. Michigan will struggle to move the ball at times, and Rodriguez will play field position and allow his talented defense to win the game.
Cullen Harper, Clemson vs. Bama, in Atlanta
This is not necessarily a knock on Harper, especially coming off his outstanding 2007. Rather it's the belief that this game will be played close to the vest by Saban and Bowden.
Start Em: Running Backs
Chris Rainey, Florida vs. Hawaii
June Jones may be in Dallas, but Florida will have no problem mercilessly ramming the football down Hawaii's throat. With Percy Harvin at less than 100% (best case) or wearing sideline shorts (worst case) this game will provide Meyer the chance to utilize his newly found playmaker. We expect Rainey to get the ball early and often.
LeSean McCoy, Pitt vs. Bowling Green
McCoy could have 500 yards rushing following the Panthers' first two games. Bill Stull has decent options at his disposal, but this team revolves around "McFadden North".
Da'Rel Scott, vs Delaware
This is my fantasy sleeper special of the week. I realize the Blue Hens had a pretty solid rush defense in 2007, but Scott will be too much for them to handle.
Mike Goodson, Texas A & M vs. Arkansas State
Something about a new coach and a patsy opponent causes me to foam at the mouth. Goodson has teased owners over the past couple of years. It's time for the junior to make a little noise.
Sit Em: Running Backs
Willie Geter, BGSU at Pitt
I'm not intentionally piling on the Falcons. Rather I foresee a 31-6 manhandling job turned in by Pitt, one in which the Panthers dominate the time of possession. Geter is solid, and he'll get his; it just won't be this Saturday.
Kahlil Bell, UCLA vs. Tennessee
All reports say the knee is fine. If only the same could be said for the Bruins' offense. Unless Kevin Craft can make some big throws early, the Vols are going to load up on stopping the run. With so many injuries striking the UCLA offensive line, it could be a long evening and an even longer season in Westwood.
Darrell Mack, Utah at Michigan
This is the same thought process as with Brian Johnson. The Michigan defense is stout, and we are worried about Matt Asiata's return. Mack will have a hard time finding running room.
Special Running Back Note:
Javon Ringer and Jahvid Best will go head-to-head Saturday night at Cal's Memorial Stadium, and we'd be remiss if we failed to mention this matchup of top fantasy backs. We're squarely on the fence on this one. We're thinking each will find it tough to run consistently, but each brings home run potential. Let's put the over-under at about 80 and a touchdown for each, and you decide what that means to your lineup.
Start Em: Wide Receivers
Jarett Dillard and Emmanuel Sanders, Rice and SMU
I know there's a show tune that sings "Anything you can do I can do better" but I'm not going to admit I know the show. Ok, ok, ok. It's "Annie Get Your Gun". Leave me alone.
These guys are going to go back and forth throughout. Big game for both fantasy stars.
Deon Murphy, Kansas State vs. North Texas
Every quarterback has his main man, and we've already predicted a big game for the signal caller. We think Deon Murphy will be that main man.
Bryan Anderson and Antonio Brown, Central Michigan vs. Eastern Illinois
Dan Lefevour will kick off the season in grand style, and his two prime targets will each have huge games. This is one of 14 games being played on Thursday, so owners with an investment in Chippewas will have a nice lead heading into the big weekend.
Titus Young, Boise State vs. Idaho State
Jeremy Childs is going to sit this one out, and we like Young to emerge in his place. This could even be a waiver move made specifically for this week.
DeAndre Brown, Southern Miss vs. Louisiana Lafayette
One of the top recruits in the nation will be hanging in Hattiesburg. Expect a ton of big plays, starting Saturday night.
Sit Em: Wide Receivers
Percy Harvin, Florida vs. Hawaii
See our notes on Chris Rainey. Hawaii has one of the longest road trips possible, and they're going to get pummeled. No reason for a recovering Harvin to see the field.
Houston wide receivers vs. Southern
We know Houston is going to get theirs, we're just not sure which receivers will catch the passes. We certainly like L.J. Castile a great deal, and we love Chris Gilbert once he gets healthy. Still we recommend checking out the Cougars before deciding which receivers to start.
Hawaii wide receivers vs. Florida
It's going to be a long day for QB Brent Rausch in Gainesville. His receivers are going down with the ship.
Start Em: Tight Ends
Brandon Warren, Tennessee at UCLA
Just recently cleared to play, Warren will fill in for Jeff Cottam, who'll miss the season with knee surgery. Call it a hunch, but I see Warren having a nice outing for the Vols.
Max Dedmond, Indiana vs. Western Kentucky
Dedmond has been on the receiving end of praise in practice, and with Indiana looking for a new go-to guy, Dedmond may state his case in the season opener.
D.J. Williams, Arkansas vs. Western Illinois
We've been hyping his potential all summer. Time to see what he can do.
Sit Em: Tight Ends
Remember that Jeff Cottam is out for the year, and Tony Moeaki will be out for a while.
Start Em: Kickers
Proven kickers. If they were the full-time kicker last season, and they're the clear starter this year, then play them.
Sit Em: Kickers
Hold off on someone like Texas Tech's Cory Fowler until you're certain he's the guy. Don't lose week one by a few points because the kicker job went to that 'other guy' at the last minute.
Start Em: Defenses
You know the drill. Play your big boy against the patsy. We really like Indiana in leagues that don't penalize points against. The Hoosiers will get their sacks and turnovers.
Sit Em: Defenses
If you can, avoid defenses like Cal, Michigan State, Utah, Michigan, UCLA, Tennessee, Alabama, Clemson, etc. While many solid defenses are in that group, each is playing a squad that could put points on the board. Picking your defense (good team vs. overmatched squad) in the early portions of the season should be one of the few sure things in college fantasy football.
Not much more to say. Let's tee it up.
