What can be said that hasn't already about Brees' sterling Week 1 performance? He was the best fantasy QB in the league last year, and should be (along with Tom Brady) again in 2009. He is always a highly recommended start, even against a vaunted D.
Thomas is still questionable for the game on Sunday with a lingering knee injury. Given the success that Mike Bell had last week, pounding 143 yards down the throats of the hapless Lions, it's hard to imagine they'll get equal carries even if Thomas does play.
Bell had an amazing week vs. the Lions. The Eagles don't typically allow 100-yard rushers, but clearly, his value as a No.1 RB inj a great offense goes way up if Thomas doesn't play on Sunday. Monitor the injury updates.
Reggie remembers Sheldon Brown all too well from their 'meeting' in the playoffs two years ago. While he'll keep that in mind, he should have some success working the middle of the Eagles D. Bush is an interesting option, as he continues to be phased out of the running game, but is such a frequent target (5 catches, 55 reciving yards) of the most prolific quarterback in the league.
He is the top receiving threat in the best passing offense in the NFL. Fret not his 3 rec, 30 rec yards last week. The Eagles strong secondary will clamp down on the secondary WRs, leaving Colston to do what he does best- make dynamic plays against the opponent's top defender.
Henderson went for 103 yards with a TD in the Saints' Week 1 coming out party. No. 2 WR on the Saints is a good thing to be. The Eagles corners are a strong suit of that unit, so don't expect him to go crazy, but he will get targeted as he did 8 times last week, tops amongst Saints players.
Lance Moore had 928 yards and 10 TD last year, so much was expected from the 4th year WR from Toledo. Somehow, he didn't get involved in the scoring against the Lions, but figures to get more touches sooner than later. Like Henderson, it is a calculated risk starting a Saints WR in fantasy. Against the Birds' secondary, following a week as an afterthought is probably not the time to give him his first start.
After his huge 2 TD comeback game, expect Shockey to come back to Earth, the planet on which he hadn't scored a TD in two years. If only they gave fantasy points for stupid tattoos, Shockey would be the best fantasy TE in the history of the game. Quintin Mikell loves to play against Jeremy Shockey...
Who's a pirate's favorite fantasy kicker? John Carrrrrrrrr-ney. Carney was phenomenal filling in for Lawrence Tynes on the Giants last year. He should have more success filling in for Garrett Hartley on the top scoring team in the league.
Williams unit will be aggressive and will harass Kevin Kolb all day long. While their numbers last year weren't great, and they allowed 27 pts to the Lions, they ought to have a good afternoon on Sunday.
Peter King bet a grand hazelnut latte that McNabb will start. He's the MMQB, who are we to doubt? If McNabb does play, expect a lot of short passes and a heavy dose of Westbrook and McCoy. (McNabb is 'unlikely to play' so monitor the situation but plan on Kolb.)
The corn-on-the-Kolb era will begin with a big home game against a conference rival. Kid's got a lot of weapons. Look for a heavy reliance on Westbrook and a lot of short passes, as the coaching staff puts him
Westbrook will be either QB's safety valve. Though surely strengthened by the scheme of new D-coordinator Gregg Williams, the New Orleans defense ranked 23rd in the NFL in 2008 and gave up 27 points to the hapless Lions Week 1, Westbrook should touch the ball at 20-25 times
'Shady' is going to keep getting touches. He's very explosive and will break a long touchdown soon. He looks like he has another gear. Not a recommended start at this point, but he could take one to the house any time he touches the ball. If Westbrook goes down, watch out, he could be a bona fide fantasy star.
If Kolb is indeed the QB, figure the electrifying Jackson will catch at least one short pass and turn it into something big. If his return yardage counted for fantasy owners, Jackson would be one of the best WRs in the NFL.
Whispers of his poor blocking and a slow healing thigh injury may see Curtis get fewer snaps, especially with such a deep receiving corps. Hopefully Kolb's full week of practice with the first team will allow these two to develop a connection. He is a highly dubious fantasy start.
Yet another safety valve for Kolb, Celek is not a awful fantasy option. The 35 yards is a lowball estimate because of the uncertainty surrounding Kolb's game. He will be targeted, as he was 7 times Week 1.
Akers had a strong 2008 season and nailed a 49 yarder Week 1. He's a viable to strong fantasy option, particularly in a game likely to be a high scoring one.
Sean McDermott's unit had an emotional beginning to their season with a statistically dominating week against the Panthers. New Orleans and all their weapons will test the middle, which is likely the weakness of this solid bunch.
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