Fantasy Football and NFL News, Rumors and Injury Updates

Strong Plays, Weak Plays - Week 1

September 7, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By James Eberspacher and Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

Another year of football is here. Ho Hum. Wait, we're just kidding! We're very excited about the season and look forward to each week. We're pleased to again bring you the "Strong Plays/Weak Plays" feature. Here, we'll identify strong match-ups of interest you can exploit, as well as determine a few weak match-ups where discretion may be the better part of valor and you might want to consider benching your player in favor of a backup. Our intention is not to tell you the obvious, such as "start LaDainian Tomlinson or Peyton Manning," but to point out some match-ups involving typically lesser regarded players. Of course, we'll sometimes highlight a stud's match-up, particularly if it is an especially noteworthy strong or weak play.

Important, Please Read! Remember, just because a player has a strong match-up, it is not an automatic endorsement - saying they should be started - but it does provide you some valuable information to make decisions with. As an example, some players with the "strong" match-up tag may still be a No. 4 fantasy wideout and shouldn't be started ahead of your normal starters. He just may have greater potential than normal but not enough to warrant automatically benching someone else for him. Conversely, if a player is on the "Weak Play" list, he may not be an automatic bench, either. A stud won't have an easy match-up every week. However, he's a stud because he can overcome the "Weak Play" situation.

QUARTERBACKS - STRONG PLAYS

Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers

No pressure whatsoever for Warner this season! Yeah right. The oft-injured Warner heads into 2006 hoping to lead the Cardinals to the postseason. With plenty of weapons to throw to - Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and even Bryant Johnson - Warner should not have too difficult a time piling up the yards. Mix that with a potentially strong running game - something the Cardinals haven't had in ages - with offseason acquisition Edgerrin James and Warner should produce. If not, young gun Matt Leinert is lurking on the sidelines.

This week, Warner gets to pick on the 49ers. These are the types of teams Warner needs to absolutely destroy this season if the Cardinals are to be regarded as a legitimate playoff contender. With the 49ers in rebuilding mode and a defense that allowed the most passing yards (4620) and second-most passing touchdowns (28) last season, Warner is a strong play as a high-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback.

Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles at Houston Texans

Turn the page. That's what McNabb and the Eagles have done now that the "distraction" is gone. Last season, McNabb only threw for 2,507 yards and 16 touchdowns. That was with very few offensive weapons and an injury-shortened season. This season, the Eagles have added Donte' Stallworth (New Orleans Saints) to line up alongside Reggie Brown. With a promising wideout in Hank Baskett and a capable tight end in L.J. Smith, finding a suitable target should be a little easier for McNabb.

McNabb's Week 1 opponent is the Texans. The Texans continue to be in building mode and have added defensive end Mario Williams, the No. 1 pick overall in the draft. While McNabb may feel some pressure from Williams and company, he should be able to methodically dismantle the same defense that allowed an overall passer rating of 100.0 last season. McNabb should post decent numbers this week as a strong play and a fantasy starter.

QUARTERBACKS - WEAK PLAYS

Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions

You're probably thinking, "Great, I spent a high draft pick for what most consider the best National Football Conference quarterback and he's a weak play." After all, Hasselbeck did finish the season with 3,455 yards and 24 touchdowns compared to only 10 interceptions.

Hasselbeck is a weak play simply because he is facing the Lions. The Lions were the ninth best defense in the league in terms of passing yards allowed with 3,305 yards. They were also a middle of the road team when it came to touchdowns allowed to the position with 20. Don't worry, he's still a fantasy starter but may not put up the numbers we will see against some of the weaker defenses in the league.

Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Turning to another quality NFC quarterback, Delhomme looks to lead the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance this season. The Panthers came very close last year, due in large part to the connection between Delhomme and wide receiver Steve Smith. Delhomme put up 3,421 yards and 24 touchdowns last year, most of those going to Smith. This season, wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson was signed to take some of the heat off Smith, thereby giving Delhomme another quality option in the passing game.

This week, Delhomme will face a NFC South rival in the Falcons. This game should prove to be a test for Delhomme and Panthers, as the Falcons' defense looks to be one of the best this season. After injuries plagued nearly the entire defense last season, the Falcons still finished near the middle of the pack in passing yards allowed (3,390) last season. The Falcons are healthy in '06 and should be able to improve on last year's numbers. Even though Delhomme is a weak play against the Falcons, he is still a fantasy starter.

Daunte Culpepper, Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers

Let's recap the 2005 season for Culpepper. Seven games in which he threw for 1,564 yards, six touchdowns and 12 interceptions while looking absolutely terrible with the Minnesota Vikings. That was before he suffered a season ending knee injury when he blew out three of four major ligaments. Culpepper was then traded to the Dolphins in a "cleaning house" maneuver by new Vikings head coach Brad Childress. Fast forward to the 2006 season, as Culpepper has reportedly made a full recovery and will start in Week 1 - a much quicker recovery than most expected.

While Culpepper has looked healthy and mobile during the preseason, his first true test will come in Week 1 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are known for their blitzing scheme - something that posed problems for Culpepper last season. Those blitzes and blanketing pass coverage will be a tough test for Culpepper as he attempts to play his first full game since the middle of last season. For those of you that grabbed Culpepper in your draft because of his upside, you may want to wait another week to start him unless you are in a huge league.

RUNNING BACKS - STRONG PLAYS

Mike Bell, Denver Broncos at St. Louis Rams

Head coach Mike Shanahan is at it again. With Bell being named the starter for the Broncos, the Broncos are looking to have another "system" 1,000-yard rusher. The undrafted back surprised many with a strong camp and bypassed fellow Broncos running backs Tatum Bell, Cedric Cobbs and Ron Dayne - all of whom were the starting contenders at some point during camp. The jury is still out on Mike Bell at this point to see if he can carry a full load and produce for the Broncos.

Bell will get his first shot against the Rams this week. Last season, the Rams allowed running backs to average 122 yards and 1.4 touchdowns per game. Not much has changed for the Rams in the offseason and will likely struggle against the run once again. That's a good enough reason for us to rank Bell high this week as a strong play and a No. 1 fantasy starter.

DeShaun Foster, Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Once again, the injury bug bit Foster in 2005. While he did play in 15 games, he only scored three total touchdowns, ran for 879 yards and managed another 372 yards receiving. He low touchdown total was due in large part to touchdown hog, running back Stephen Davis (now with the St. Louis Rams). Davis is gone, but Foster now has to look over his shoulder at rookie running back DeAngelo Williams. That might be motivation enough for Foster have a breakout season.

Foster will get his first shot at that breakout season versus the Falcons this week. As we mentioned previously, the Falcons defense looks to be strong this season. However, their linebackers aren't exactly the cream of the crop and are susceptible to the run. Last season they were the sixth-worst team in rushing yards allowed per game (119 per game) and allowed a ridiculous 22 touchdowns to the position. That makes Foster a strong play as a No. 1 fantasy back this week.

Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys

Taylor (shoulder) was back to form last season, as he only played in 11 games. However, in those 11 games he was productive on the ground, compiling 787 yards but only scored three touchdowns. Taylor came into camp this year with some questions surrounding him being the featured back. He left camp with those questions answered in the affirmative, somewhat due to a season-ending injury to running back Greg Jones. While Taylor is hobbled a bit by a bum shoulder, he should be a focal part of the offense once again.

Taylor will get the chance to test his shoulder this week versus the Cowboys. Other than a few choice defenders, the Cowboys defense doesn't look very strong this season. They have shifted their defense a bit trying to fill glaring holes at linebacker by moving former defensive end Greg Ellis to an outside spot. As the Cowboys adjust, running backs may be able to pick on this defense. Start Taylor with confidence this week as your No. 1 fantasy back. Heck, do it now while he's healthy!

Other Strong Plays of Note...

New England Patriots running back Corey Dillon has a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. He gets that shot against the Buffalo Bills, a team he lit up last season to the tune of 40 carries, 174 yards and three touchdowns in two games. Dillon could be a stud this week as your No. 1 fantasy back.

RUNNING BACKS - WEAK PLAYS

Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams vs. Denver Broncos

Jackson (foot) played in all but one game last season. In those games, he had 1,366 total yards (1046 rushing and 320 receiving) and a total of 10 touchdowns (eight rushing and two receiving). It was last season he finally became a focal part of the Rams' offense. This season looked like he was going to expand on that role even more. A lingering question of Jackson's foot led the Rams to land the services of running back Stephen Davis. That could eat into Jackson's touchdown total, much like it did to Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster last season.

Jackson will face the Broncos in Week 1. This is a defense that was absolutely stifling to opposing runners last season. Consider this; opposing running backs only averaged 75 yards per game - tied for best in the league - and scored a total of 13 touchdowns against them last year. With Jackson's foot as somewhat of a question mark and a tough opponent in the Broncos, he is a weak play. However, Jackson's role in the offense and his shear talent alone still make him a worthy low-end No. 1 or strong No. 2 fantasy back this week.

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins

Undrafted in most fantasy leagues last season, Parker was a hot commodity on the waiver wire last season. For those fortunate enough to sign him were rewarded with 1,202 rushing yards, 218 receiving yards and five total touchdowns. Of course, with former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis on the squad, Parker's touchdown total was scaled back. This season, Parker will get a full workload including goal-line situations.

While Parker will likely be a quality fantasy back this season, he may struggle against quality defenses like the Dolphins. When we say struggle, we simply mean his numbers will take a slight hit in those weeks rather than a complete no-show type of performance. Even with Parker getting the call at the stripe, he may find it tough to crack against a defense that only allowed a total of 12 touchdowns to the position last season. With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (appendix) out for Week 1, look for the Dolphins to stack the box and force quarterback Charlie Batch to beat them through the air. Parker is still a quality No. 1 or very good No. 2 fantasy back, but is a weak play.

Julius Jones, Dallas Cowboys at Jacksonville Jaguars

This just in, Jones missed time once again last season. That's hardly a news flash for anyone who has followed Jones' short career. Last season he only played in 13 games. However, his numbers weren't too bad - 993 rushing yards, 218 receiving yards and five touchdowns. That was with a variety of Cowboys running backs eating into his time. This season, he has one teammate to keep an eye on - running back Marion Barber III.

Jones enters the season as the No. 1 back for the Cowboys. Unfortunately he starts that task against a tough Jaguars' defense. While the Jaguars were a mid-level team in yards allowed to the position (96 yards per game), they gave up a mere six total touchdowns the entire season to running backs! Even so, Jones is a low-end No. 1 or solid No. 2 fantasy back. Just keep in mind his match-up is tough and he may not score, tagging him as a weak play.

Other Weak Plays of Note...

Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown is a weak play against a Pittsburgh Steelers' defense that only allowed 77 rushing yards to opposing running backs last season. Use him as your No. 2 fantasy back this week... Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee is looking to improve on his eight attempts for three yards in his last game against the New England Patriots. Don't bet on it: he is only one man in a bad offense. McGahee is best suited as your No. 3 back this week but could be used as a No. 2 if needed.

WIDE RECEIVERS - STRONG PLAYS

Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers

Last season, Boldin continued to put up big numbers. His 1,398 yards and seven touchdowns were among the elite in the league. Now consider the fact he missed two games due to injury. Yikes! Boldin figures to be a major threat in an upstart Cardinals' offense that includes fellow wideout Larry Fitzgerald and running back Edgerrin James. He will get plenty of looks and should be a consistent fantasy contributor all season.

This week Boldin gets the chance to showcase his talent against the 49ers. The Niners are still in a rebuilding stage, which includes the defense. Last season, Boldin lit up the Niners to the tune of 19 catches, 272 yards and two touchdowns in two games last season. That makes us pretty confident in Boldin this week as he heads the list of wide receivers and is a strong play.

Terry Glenn, Dallas Cowboys at Jacksonville Jaguars

We would venture a guess that Glenn was selected in your fantasy draft without others owners even blinking an eye. In other words, Glenn seems to be undervalued almost every year. This happens even though he managed to catch 62 balls for 1,136 yards and seven touchdowns last season. This season, Glenn should reap the benefits of having a stud receiver in Terrell Owens lining up along side him.

Glenn heads to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars in the opening game of the season. Even though the Jaguars defense should be very good this season, they may give up some yards to the passing game. Last season, they allowed 14 touchdowns overall to opposing receivers. Due to this, Glenn is a solid No. 2 fantasy receiver and even as good as a No. 1 fantasy receiver this week as well as being a strong play.

Eddie Kennison, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Another wide receiver that typically goes almost unnoticed in fantasy drafts is Kennison. Granted he's not the most prolific receiver in the league; however, he is someone who can produce for your fantasy squad. In fact, last season Kennison bypassed the 1,000-yard mark with 1,102 yards. He also managed five touchdowns.

As the Chiefs face the Bengals in the opener, Kennison figures to post decent numbers as a No. 2 fantasy wideout. Last season, the Bengals allowed opposing receivers to notch 157 yards per game against them (eighth worst in the league). Plug Kennison into your lineup, as he is a strong play.

WIDE RECEIVERS - WEAK PLAYS

Santana Moss, Washington Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings

Moss exploded into fantasy circles last season as a surprise sleeper. His 84 catches, 1,483 yards and nine touchdowns landed him among the best in the league. That gave owners who drafted him - likely in late rounds - pure gratification. This season figures to be much of the same of Moss and his owners. In the offseason, the Redskins landed a suitable No. 2 wideout in Brandon Lloyd, which will likely take some heat off Moss. That should open things up a bit more for him and he should exploit.

Take our last line with a grain of salt in some cases this season. You see; Moss has to put up his skills against a very good Vikings' secondary in his first action of the season. Last season, the Vikings allowed an occasional big play or game to a receiver, which landed them in the middle of the road for receiving yards allowed with 139 yards per game. However, they had the second-most picks last year with 24 interceptions. While we have tagged Moss as a weak play because of the match-up, he is still projected to be one of the top fantasy receivers this season. This is why you can still rely on him as your No. 1 fantasy wideout this week.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs

As a No. 2 receiver, Houshmandzadeh was a touchdown machine. He totaled eight touchdowns overall (one rushing) as the second option behind fellow Bengals receiver Chad Johnson. In this role, Houshmandzadeh excels, coming ever so close to the 1,000-yard mark with 956 yards. We figure much to be the same - if not better - for Houshmandzadeh this season.

To kick off the season, Houshmandzadeh will face the Chiefs. It seems like not too long ago we'd be drooling all over ourselves in this type of match-up. Not this year. The Chiefs continue to work their defense and should have a decent secondary once again. Last season, they only allowed 12 total touchdowns to the position. What that means is Houshmandzadeh may not post big numbers this week. However, he is still lower No. 1 fantasy receiver.

Darrell Jackson, Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions

Heading into the 2006 season, Jackson hopes to pick up where he left off in the Super Bowl. It was in that game he set the record for most catches in the first quarter and wound up with five catches for 50 yards. He even had a touchdown called back due to a questionable interference call against him. We highlight this game for a couple of reasons. One, it was the biggest game of the year; and two, he missed most of the 2005 season due to injury. Jackson was also an integral part of the Seahawks' playoff run. In the six games he did play in, Jackson scored three touchdowns and had 482 yards receiving. This season, Jackson will be flanked by offseason acquisition Nate Burleson and the quietly consistent Bobby Engram.

The time has finally come to determine if Jackson is indeed healthy enough to play. Obviously at the time of this release, all indicators point to Jackson starting for the Seahawks. Unfortunately, he will have to start against a Lions' defense that looks pretty good. Last season, opposing receivers only mustered 129 yards per game and a total of 12 touchdowns against this squad. This makes Jackson a weak play but still a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 fantasy receiver.

Other Weak Plays of Note...

If you've kept an eye on the Green Bay Packers during the preseason, our next weak play should come as a no-brainer. Packers wide receiver Donald Driver may have a tough time in this offense, especially against a defense like the Chicago Bears. Driver is a No. 2 fantasy receiver and weak play against a Bears defense that only allowed 126 yards with a total of nine touchdowns to the position last season.

TIGHT ENDS - STRONG PLAYS

Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Much has been made of the drop-off in Gonzalez's production last year. Is age starting to catch up with him? Will the new run-heavy system take away from his chances? He only scored twice, for cryin' out loud. Folks, last year he averaged 4.9 receptions and 57 yards per game. He's still one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the biz!

You couldn't ask for a better matchup for the nine-year vet. Last year the Bengals made strides on defense, but that was mostly while forcing turnovers. Little has changed from a defense that allowed 4.5 receptions, 52 yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game to players at the position.

Benjamin Watson, New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills

Watson is a phenomenal talent, and the longer wide receiver Deion Branch remains AWOL, the more fantasy owners have to like the third-year tight end. Last season he averaged a mere 1.9 catches, 29 yards and 0.3 scores per game. From Week 9 on he tallied 2.8 receptions, 38 yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game. In the playoffs (two games) he caught five galls for 91 yards and a score. He's an emerging star.

Week 1 would be a nice coming-out party, when Watson faces a Bills defense that gave up 3.6 catches, 34 yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game to the position. Things became progressively worse for Buffalo, too, as they allowed 4.9 receptions, 48 yards and 0.5 scores per game to tight ends during the second half of the season. It's all about the Benjamin in the opener.

Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins

Miller was a nice addition to Pittsburgh's offense last season, averaging 2.4 catches, 29 yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game. He was a monster (2.6 receptions, 26 yards and 0.8 scores per game) in the first half of the year, though, because former back and primary goal-line option Jerome Bettis was sidelined with a calf injury. This year, Bettis is long gone, so you figure it out.

We'll help with the math. Last year Miami surrendered 4.9 receptions, 48 yards and 0.3 scores per game to tight ends. Miller should get a number of opportunities to punch one in (or at least pick up some valuable yardage) as the defending champs look to open the season in prime time.

TIGHT ENDS - WEAK PLAYS

Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys at Jacksonville Jaguars

After a breakout 2004 season, Witten's production slipped in '05. Disappointed owners should note that he still averaged 4.1 catches, 47 yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game - nothing to sneeze at. However, if receiver Terrell Owens isn't at full strength in Week 1, he may not be able to open things up for the burly tight end. The Cowboys' woes along the offensive line may require Witten to stay in and block on occasion.

Couple those factors with a bigger factor: the Jacksonville defense. Last year players at the position hauled in 3.8 passes for 33 yards and 0.4 scores per game. Don't look for a huge day from Witten in Week 1.

L.J. Smith, Philadelphia Eagles at Houston Texans

Smith has become a solid playmaker for the Eagles. In '05 he caught 3.8 balls for 43 yards and 0.2 touchdowns per game. However, he's not always been dependable for Philadelphia, and you might've heard: the club recently traded linebacker Mark Simoneau and a draft pick for receiver Donte Stallworth (New Orleans Saints). That's less balls to go around.

Hey, you say, he's facing the Texans, so plug him in, right? That might not be a bad move, but Houston gave up just 3.4 catches, 35 yards and 0.3 touchdowns per game to the position. This team is switching to a 4-3 defense and has added a couple of exciting linebackers (DeMeco Ryans and possibly Shantee Orr) to the unit, so that decision may turn out to be a poor one after all.

Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants

Clark has become a recognizable standby at tight end; often a late-round selection, if drafted at all, and you know he'll get a few opportunities in such a high-powered offense. The problem is he's not really a focal point of it, as evidenced by his 2.5 receptions, 33 yards and 0.3 touchdowns per game last year.

The Giants don't exactly present the greatest matchup, either. This club gave up a mere 3.1 catches, 30 yards and 0.2 scores per game to the position last year. With a top-tier tight end facing New York, you bite the bullet; with a mid-tier guy like Clark, you might consider another option.

Other Weak Plays of Note...

Atlanta Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler had a fine season as (once again) signal-caller Michael Vick's favorite target, averaging 4.0 receptions, 55 yards and 0.3 scores per game. For a guy coming off of arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgeries who's missed most of the preseason with a shoulder injury, the last defense he wants to see is the at Carolina Panthers. Last season that unit gave up just 2.7 receptions, 31 yards and 0.3 scores per game to the position.

PLACE KICKERS - STRONG PLAYS

Nate Kaeding, San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders

Kaeding hit 87.5 percent of his field goal attempts last season, and he averaged 1.5 field goal attempts and 3.1 extra point attempts per game. With an offense that turns to green quarterback Philip Rivers, San Diego may not find it as easy to finish third in the league in total touchdowns, which could mean more field goal opportunities.

It's looking like the Raiders are a team you'd like your place kicker to see, if last year's numbers are any indication. Last season the team gave up 2.4 field goal attempts and 2.3 extra point attempts per game - chances galore. Kaeding gets them in Week 1.

Josh Brown, Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions

Brown had a pretty easy job last year: Walk on field, swing leg, hit 20-yarders. That'd be extra points, of which he hit 55 (of 56). Seattle scored the most touchdowns in the NFL last, thanks to some guy in the backfield who won the MVP award. Brown only hit 72.0 percent of his 1.6 field goal attempts per game, but he's historically been a little more accurate.

Detroit permitted other teams' kickers to attempt 2.3 extra points per game, and on top of that they gave up 1.8 field goal attempts per game. The Seahawks should have little trouble scoring points of all kinds in Week 1, and Brown should benefit.

Other Strong Plays of Note...

Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Josh Scobee hit 76.7 percent of his (23-for-30) field goal attempts last year, and he attempted 1.9 field goals with 2.4 extra points per game. The Dallas Cowboys allowed 2.2 extra point attempts and 1.7 field goal attempts per game last year, which means Scobee could be in for a nice first game.

PLACE KICKERS - WEAK PLAYS

Shayne Graham, Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs

Graham has one of the most prolific offenses in the league backing him, so he should get his changes. He did last year: 2.0 field goal attempts and 2.9 extra point attempts per game. He hit 87.5 percent of his field goal kicks, too.

As weak as their defense has, Kansas City wasn't always the best matchup for a kicker. They gave up 2.1 extra point attempts and 1.6 field goal attempts per game. With what is anticipated to be an improved defense, Graham's opportunities could be even fewer.

Matt Stover, Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Stover had a productive season for Baltimore, attempting 2.1 field goals and 1.4 extra points per game. Things should pick up with a more efficient offense (thanks to new quarterback Steve McNair), right?

Not necessarily against Tampa Bay. This team gave up 2.1 field goal attempts and 1.6 extra point attempts per game. Baltimore has still had trouble moving the football this preseason. The Buccaneers gave up one of the sixth fewest touchdowns last year. It could be a long Week 1 for Stover.

Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins

Reed kicked for the Super Bowl champs - and he did so quite efficiently (82.8 percent of his 1.8 field goal attempts per game and all of his 2.8 extra point attempts per game). Without goal-line threat Jerome Bettis, Reed may get a few more chip shots, right?

Without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (appendectomy) running the show, he may not get many shots at all. Against Miami, that's not what Reed needs. This club gave up a mere 1.5 field goal attempts and 1.9 extra point attempts per game last year. With another year under head coach Nick Saban, this unit should be even better.

Other Weak Plays of Note...

Did Minnesota Vikings place kicker Ryan Longwell, who averaged 1.7 field goal attempts and 1.9 extra point attempts per game last year, go from a bad offense to a worse offense? We'll see when he visits the Washington Redskins, who gave up 1.9 field goal attempts and 1.8 extra point attempts per game last year. Kickers hit only 71.0 percent of their field goal kicks versus the Redskins.

DEFENSIVE TEAMS - STRONG PLAYS

Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers

If they want to defend their title, the Steelers aren't getting off to the greatest start. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (appendectomy) will miss Week 1, leaving quarterback Charlie Batch to start. This team scored 23 offensive points per game last year while allowing 2.0 sacks and 1.4 turnovers per game. Think those could go up with Batch in there?

They could go up anyway, because Miami is no bunch of sissies. They only gave up 19 offensive points per game. They also recorded 3.0 sacks and 1.9 turnovers per game. This defense is primed to score big points in Week 1.

Washington Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Redskins were one of the most efficient defenses in the league, permitting a mere 17 offensive points per game last year. The "D" forced 1.9 turnovers per game. Even though the unit only came up with 2.2 sacks per game, it also scored two defensive and two special teams touchdowns during the course of the season.

That makes Minnesota a likely victim in Week 1. This club only put up 17 offensive points per game last year. They turned the ball over 1.9 times per game and gave up the second most sacks (54 - tied) in the league last year - that's 3.4 per game.

Cleveland Browns vs. New Orleans Saints

Under the tutelage of former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, Cleveland boasts an up-and-coming defense. They gave up only 18 offensive points per game last year. They generated only 1.4 turnovers and 1.4 sacks per game last year, but that should change with the addition of young linebackers Kamerion Wimbley and D'Qwell Jackson and old linebacker Willie McGinest, among others. Oh, and they scored three special teams touchdowns last year.

As good a feel-good story as the Saints could be, their offense was awful last year. They scored only 15 offensive points per game while turning the ball over 2.6 times per game while allowing 2.6 sacks per game. They also allowed six defensive touchdowns last year. Running back Reggie Bush may be a savior, but can he prevent such mishaps for four quarters?

Other Strong Plays of Note...

The New York Jets might seem like a defense you don't want to touch. Last year, after all, they gave up 21 offensive points per game. They had three defensive scores and one on special teams score; they averaged 1.9 turnovers and 1.9 sacks per game. The Tennessee Titans have a lot of uncertainty on offense, and that's not a good sign when your team score 17 offensive points per game and gave up 1.6 turnovers and 1.9 sacks per game. They also allowed five defensive scores.

DEFENSIVE TEAMS - WEAK PLAYS

Denver Broncos at St. Louis Rams

Denver fielded a tough defense thanks to the 16 offensive points per game it allowed last year. They forced 2.3 turnovers but recorded a mere 1.8 sacks per game. They did post three defensive touchdowns, too. Will that carry over this year?

In Week 1 they get a Rams team whose new head coach, Scott Linehan, isn't the risk-taker that former top dog Mike Martz was. Linehan plans to run more, and St. Louis' offense could already score points - 21 per game, to be precise. Where they should improve is the 2.3 turnovers and 2.9 sacks allowed per game. Temper your expectations from the Broncos D this week.

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots

Buffalo used to be one of the top defensive units in fantasy football. Alas, a horrific offense and injuries can take their toll. The club gave up 22 points per game to opposing offenses, despite their 1.9 turnovers and 2.4 sacks per game.

New England's offense is predicated on efficiency (thanks to stud passer Tom Brady). The unit put up 23 points per game while allowing just 1.5 turnovers and 1.8 sacks per game. Not a great defensive team matchup at all.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys

By allowing only 15 offensive points per game while recording 1.7 turnovers and 2.9 sacks per game, the Jaguars placed themselves among the top fantasy defenses last year. The two defensive touchdowns and one special teams score helped. They could be a solid unit again in '06. Their top playmaker on D, linebacker Mike Peterson, will attempt to suit up on a balky knee, too.

You may want to think twice about starting them in Week 1, however. True, the team scored 19 offensive points per game and gave up four defensive touchdowns. Yes, they also allowed 1.9 turnovers and 3.1 sacks per game. Quarterback Drew Bledsoe has been quite efficient this preseason, however, and he has some new target out there at wideout - you might've heard.

Author Bio

James Eberspacher

James Eberspacher has been Commissioner of a "high performance" fantasy football league since 1994. He has created an entertaining and challenging league by designing a unique scoring system and a creative sense of writing and style. He has been a KFFL Contributor since 2003.