Week 1 - 2009 Fantasy Football Notes
Sunday, September 13th, 2009 
Note to self…..Adrian Peterson is the real deal! If you drafted Peterson with the first pick in your 2009 Fantasy Football Draft, you’ve gotta be pretty happy right now. Busting out with a whopping 180 yds rushing and 3 touchdowns, Peterson served notice to fantasy ballers that the first pick really is worth something.
Week 1 is maybe the most exciting in fantasy football land. Now, you find out just how well you drafted.
Here’s my quick notes and observations from Week 1:
- Drew Brees may throw for 1 million touchdowns in 2009. If you’re playing in a league which counts kick returns, Robert Meachem should be your first selection from the waiver wire.
- The Steelers run game sux, bad. I wouldn’t bank my season on Willie Parker or Rashard Mendenhall. If you have other alternatives, put the Steelers running backs on the trading block.
- Justin Gage and Kenny Britt from the Tennessee Titans may be worth a look if still available on the waiver wire. Kerry Collins looks better than ever, and Tennessee has one of the top offensive lines in the league.
- If Anthony Gonzalez is out for considerable time, pick up who ever will be number two. Peyton Manning will need another outlet.
- Don’t get burned on the Tampa Bay running game. There’ll be a rush this week to pick up Cadillac Williams or Derric Ward from the waiver wire, but don’t bite. Earnest Graham may still be in the mix, making the three headed monster in Tampa, too risky for consistent fantasy production.
- Michael Turner started slow against the Dolphins but don’t worry. They stuck with him into the late quarters. He’s their workhorse, period.
- Beanie Wells may be the back of the future in Arizona, but don’t count out Tim Hightower just yet. Hightower showed in the first week that backs who can catch, are worth more.
- Mark Sanchez may be worth a look see. If you need a backup QB, he might be worth considering.
- Joshua Cribbs is crazy good. If you’re in a league counting kick returns (me, raising hand), you’re happy right about now. If Brady Quinn would find Cribbs more in the passing game, he could be a top receiver.
- Jason Witten might actually catch less in the red zone this year. Why? Martellus Bennett. Bennett had a chance on the fade against the Bucs but Romo didn’t throw it high enough. With a 6′6 frame, Bennett will see more action at the goal line in the passing game.
- My man crush on Marion Barber is over. With the emergence of Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, Barber will fight for carries as the season progresses.
- Is John Carlson, TE for the Seattle Seahawks for real? I hope so. With a huge week including two td’s, Carlson has the potential to vault to the top 3 in overall stats. Matt Hassleback is totally underrated. If he’s available on your waiver wire, pick him up now!
- Carson Palmer continues to be the greatest dissappointment in fantasy history. So much talent, so little production. Cedric Benson may be a solid number three running back if he’s still available in your league.
- There seemed to be alot of missed field goals by otherwise reliable kickers this week. Don’t worry. Over the course of the year, kickers stay pretty close to their historical averages.
- Darren Sproles may be the starter in San Diego by the middle of the season. If Tomlinson doesn’t get hurt, the little man Sproles, will beat him out anyways. How can you keep him on the bench?
- How bad are the Broncos? It could be a tough year in Mile High, be cautious about loading up on Broncos running backs or receivers. The odds are, they’ll be inconsistent at best.
- DeSean Jackson is one of my favorite wide receivers in the NFL this year. I wish I had him on my fantasy team!
