Gameday.

     Ok...Is it just me or does it feel like Christmas morning to anyone else?  Yeah, you heard me, I am comparing opening day of Football season to the consumer fan favorite holiday Christmas.  I (and some of you out there) have been waiting for this day for a long time.  Our drafts are done, our line-ups are set, and Brett Farve is back for another season...(insert courtesy laugh.).  Ok all joking aside, the first game of the season is tonight, and we need to break it down.

VIKINGS vs SAINTS
     These were two of the best teams in the NFL last season no question.  Does that matter?  Well, I am going to say...a little bit.  It is the first game of the season, and either way one of these teams will walk away undefeated, and one will be 0-1.  Regardless, these are two great teams.  I think the Saints will win tonight, and I will tell you why.

Farve is old.  Honestly, I really like Farve, but he is seriously old (for a starting QB, no offense to all of you readers over 40), is coming of ankle surgery, and never goes to training camp anymore.  He is going to be a bit rusty, and will commit some mistakes (I think we will see a little "Brett Farve of old" tonight, and I say he throws two pics).  His best WR is on the DL, Harvin had a rough camp with all the migraine issues, and as much as I like AP and his matchup tonight, I think the Saints are just too explosive to give this one to Minnesota.

Fantasy Starters?
     Tonight we have several players that teams all over the country will be sitting or starting.  Here is my take on who should start and who should sit, with a little explanation for each.

Vikings:

Brett Farve QB:  Sit him.  I don't like Farve yet.  Yes, I know, he is coming off of his BEST year statistically, but I think that is exactly why you need to lower your expectations.  Like I said above, he has some stuff to work through before I trust him.  I say he throws 2 pics tonight, and maybe even fumbles.  Hopefully I am wrong, like I mentioned above, I like Farve, just not as my starter...yet.

Adrian Peterson aka AP. RB - DUH.  Start him.  Great matchup with a not so great Saints Run-D.  In my opinion, anyone taken in the first round of the draft should never be sat (unless they are injured or something crazy happens during the season - I'll get deeper into this issue when I post next before Sundays games).

Percy Harvin WR: Start him.  He is Brett Farve's number one target right now, and I think he has serious upside (as long as Farve doesn't throw a ton of interceptions and they have to stick to the run).

Bernard Berrian WR:  Sit him. Eh.  If I had other options, I would steer clear.  He is Brett's WR2, and I say he catches for 40 yards and no TDs.  Only use him if you have to.

Vishante Shiancoe TE:  Start him. Brett loves this guys in the Red Zone and I say he catches a TD, and gives you 40 yards.  Not bad for a TE!


Saints:

Drew Bress QB:  YES YES YES.  Start him.  He is Drew Brees for goodness sake.  I say tonight is a replay from the playoffs last year.  Brees is going to throw 3 TDs, no pics, and 300+ yards.  Brees is no joke, and he will show you why tonight.

Pierre Thomas RB:  Start him.  I like Thomas.  I say he has a decent game, and would be a solid RB2 this week.  A report just announced the Pierre will be used a bit more than expected because of the 3rd stringer Chris Ivory going down for a couple weeks.  I say you give him a start tonight.

Marques Colston WR:  Start him.  Honestly, I think Colston is the only WR on the Saints that can be started consistently.  They just have too many weapons, and Brees is too good.  He throws it where he wants when he wants.  Even Colston, their "#1" WR makes me nervous.  he had more single digit scoring games than double last year.  Just saying.  This is a good match-up though, so I say start him.

Other New Orleans Wideouts:  Use at your own risk.  Meachem and Henderson are total wild cards to me.  Meachem is ranked higher, and will probably get more looks, but who knows.  I think you should only use them if your team offers a "flex" position, and even then I am weary.  Something crazy is Meachem had more double digit scoring weeks than Colston last year.  Like I said above, use at your own risk.


In Conclusion.
     If I didn't mention a player, that probably means I wouldn't start them (yeah I am talking to you Reggie Bush).  As for defenses and kickers, go with your gut.  Those two positions are so crazy that I change mine almost every week.  Look at the matchup.  See what they have done against these teams in the past and start accordingly.  Longwell is probably a solid choice this week because I don't think Farve will be able to move the ball real well, giving Longwell some opportunities. 
     Hope tonight goes well for you if you have any of these guys (unless you are playing me this week, then I hope your players fumble all night!). 

     Keep your eyes out for a new post before Sundays games.  I will be featuring players I love this weekend, and players I hate (still talking to you Reggie Bush).  Til then, have fun, and enjoy tonights game!

For the love of the game.



written by Andrew Bradford.  email: fantasyfootballin@gmail.com