Opinion Corner: Analyzing Week 1

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Coming into week 1, the headlines were dominated by Peyton Manning’s Broncos debut, the number of starting rookies, and the impact of Sean Peyton’s absence.

Week 1 is now in the books, and the names that are on our minds are Kevin Ogletree, Alfred Morris, and Stephen Hill? I guess that’s the effect of fantasy football.

Ogletree, Morris and Hill had great games and as their names were probably absent during draft day, they are now likely on a roster courtesy the waiver wire within your league.

Some of you are probably convinced that your lineup is now where it needs to be because Kevin Ogletree is one of your wide receivers.

Ogletree’s stats are hard to ignore, but let’s not forget that he was matched up against a backup because of injuries to the Giants secondary.

Miles Austin’s slow start opened the door for Ogletree to become the most hyped player on waivers this week. Austin received most of his receptions in the second half. Coming off an injury, it’s not a surprise that it took a few quarters for Austin to get into the flow of the game.

If you’re in need of another wide receiver, instead of hoping for Ogletree to repeat last week’s performance make a play for Austin. Austin should get more opportunities than Ogletree, and his value isn’t overrated at this time.

If you don’t have the assets on your bench to trade for a wide receiver of Austin’s caliber, hopefully Andrew Hawkins of the Cincinnati Bengals is still available. Hawkins’ 8 receptions for 86 yards against the Ravens defense has definitely increased his fantasy value, especially in PPR leagues.

With AJ Green’s size and skill being a threat down the field, Hawkins should continue to get numerous receptions with lots of room to rack up yards after the catch.

Sticking with the Bengals, BenJarvus Green-Ellis is a good start this week as well. His performance against the Ravens demonstrated Marvin Lewis’ confidence in Green-Ellis, and you can expect him to get a huge workload, especially around the goal line.

This week’s Monday night matchup features Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan. If Ryan’s numbers are similar to last weeks, Ryan owners have the steal of the draft. But it’s highly likely the Broncos defense will not fold like the Chiefs did.

Manning owners on the other hand can expect to get similar, if not more, production from their quarterback.

Sunday night’s game is one that should have many fantasy managers study their rosters extensively. The Detroit Lions travel to San Fransisco where the 49ers offense and defense has 49er fans dreaming of the Super Bowl.

Kevin Smith owners should consider another option this week. The 49ers run defense is among the league’s elite. Cedric Benson had only 9 carries last Sunday, and if the Lions want to get revenge for last year’s defeat against San Francisco, it won’t happen because of the run game.

For Stafford owners, there’s potential for a huge game. The lack of room to run the ball can only mean that Stafford will likely throw the ball as much as he did last week (48 attempts). Despite the number of attempts, it won’t be easy as Aaron Rodgers owners found out in week 1.

Alex Smith picked apart the Packers on Sunday and the Lions defense should have a difficult time deciding whom to focus on: Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Randy Moss, Frank Gore …

Randy Moss is a difficult start this week. No doubt that Moss owners were elated when Moss pulled in his 154th career touchdown, but it’s his playing time which brings up doubts. Although he won’t be on the field as much as owners would like, he will be on the field when the 49ers are in the red zone.

He was a primary option for Alex Smith in the red zone twice against the Packers and should continue to be throughout the year. If Moss gets a lot of looks this week, especially in the red zone, he’s good to go the rest of the season.

Another group of players who are taking up a lot of our time are those who didn’t live up to expectations in week one.

Michael Turner owners were disappointed with his 32 rushing yards. In a game in which the Falcons dominated, their run game was absent. With Julio Jones emerging as one of the top receivers in the game, and Roddy White’s consistent performances, Turner owners need to monitor his opportunities very closely.

If there’s a drastic change from last year, and he’s not among the league leaders in carries, don’t hesitate to trade him away after a good game.

Wes Welker owners had a major letdown as well with Welker bringing in only three catches for 14 yards. To make things worse, he was on the field for only two-thirds of the game.

Brandon Lloyd was targeted eight times and as expected the Patriots tight ends had many looks as well. Welker owners are advised to look to their bench this week. If his opportunities are limited again, package him up and make a trade offer. There’s a sucker in every league.

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Jessy Sandhu’s column on fantasy football runs each Thursday in the Sun

Tags: opinion corner, sports, opinion, football, nfl