Author: John Paulsen (Page 770 of 937)

Almost there…

We are just hours away from the official kickoff of the NFL season, which means it’s time for our first preview. Each week, I’ll highlight a few players to start and a few players to sit at each position. I’m a firm believer in starting your studs, so I won’t tell you about how Carson Palmer or Steven Jackson has a tough matchup – just go ahead and start them. I’ll focus on the borderline guys – players you’ll only start under the right circumstances. Right now, these matchups are based on last year’s defensive data, but it will be updated as we get deeper into the season. It’s important to note that depending on your roster and situation, you may not be able to follow these recommendations. For example, if I suggest you bench a solid starter like Vince Young, only do so if you have a clearly better option on your bench.

Let’s dive right in…

START ‘EM

QBs: Tony Romo (vs. NYG), Alex Smith (vs. ARI), Matt Hasselbeck (vs. TB) and Eli Manning (@ DAL)

RBs: Edgerrin James (@ SF), Tatum Bell (@ OAK) and LaMont Jordan (vs. DET)

WRs: Braylon Edwards (vs. PIT), Darrell Jackson (vs. ARI), Mark Clayton (@ CIN) and Joey Galloway (@ SEA)

SIT ‘EM

QBs: Chad Pennington (vs. NEP), Phillip Rivers (vs. CHI), Vince Young (@ JAC) and J.P. Losman (vs. DEN)

RBs: Jerious Norwood (@ MIN), Jamal Lewis (vs. PIT), Thomas Jones (vs. NEP), LenDale White (@ JAC) and Clinton Portis (vs. MIA)

WRs: Bernard Berrian (@ SD), Randy Moss (@ NYJ) and Isaac Bruce (vs. CAR)

SLEEPER OF THE WEEK

Patrick Crayton (vs. NYG)
With Terry Glenn hobbled, Patrick Crayton figures to step in and start opposite Terrell Owens against a suspect Giants’ defense. The Cowboys passing game was terrific in 2006, so they should light it up at home against New York on Sunday night.

If you have any questions, be sure to post them on our Fantasy Q&A.

“Hype,” a noun meaning promotional publicity of an extravagant or contrived kind. Sound familiar? In my latest column, I discuss how owners have to deal with hyped players every draft season. My Hype Machine lists 10 players to watch and, more importantly, what to do about them on draft day.

Need a second opinion?

We’re here to help.

Post all of your draft and roster questions here.

The Kevin Jones saga continues…

Running back Kevin Jones will be on the active roster when the Lions announce their final cuts today, a person familiar with the situation said Friday night.

Lions officials conferred with Jones’ surgeon Friday, and the surgeon cleared Jones to come off the PUP list, the person said. The Lions plan to take it slow with Jones, but they think they will need him within six weeks, the person said.

Jones visited his surgeon, Dr. Bob Anderson, on Thursday in Charlotte, N.C. Anderson recommended Jones remain on the PUP list, according to another person familiar with the situation. Anderson felt the foot had healed well enough, but he was concerned Jones could suffer other injuries because he wasn’t in game shape, that person said.

Keep in mind, there has been no official word from the team about this. A report a few days ago said that he would start the season on PUP, and this report contradicts that. It appears that the Lions are worried about KJ’s conditioning, not his foot. If Jones does indeed start the season on the active roster, it will likely take him a few weeks to get into game shape. Tatum Bell will start in his place and if he gets off to a good start, it will allow the Lions to bring Jones back slowly.

KJ’s stock certainly gets a bump with this news, but the Detroit running game is murky, to say the least. Bell has been going in the 5th round of most 12-team drafts, so expect his ADP to drop a round into the 6th. Conversely, Jones’ ADP had been in the 9th or later, and it should rise into the 7th or 8th.