- Publish date:
Market Watch
Up Joe Flacco, QB,Ravens
It's a good weekto play this marginal starter. Flacco, who looked sharp in preseason, launcheshis sophomore campaign against the Chiefs, who have a new coach and haveswitched from a 4--3 defense to a 3--4, and thus are bound to be unsettled.
Up Thomas Jones,RB, Jets
Though he wassecond in the AFC in rushing TDs in 2008, Jones, 31, lost fantasy luster withthe arrival of rookie RB Shonn Greene and the prospect of shared carries. Jonesis worth a start here: To keep pressure off rookie QB Mark Sanchez, the Jetsshould run plenty in Houston.
Up Julius Jones,RB, Seahawks
Even underpass-friendly coach Mike Holmgren, Seattle ran well against the Rams in '08,totaling 370 yards and four TDs in two meetings. Now that the Seahawks have amore run-oriented coach in Jim Mora, their lead back is a must start at homeagainst St. Louis.
Up MikeSims-Walker, WR, Jaguars
After missingJacksonville's earlier preseason games with an ankle sprain, Sims-Walker lookedspry last Thursday against Washington (four catches for 65 yards and a TD).This week he goes against a Colts secondary that will be without Pro Bowlsafety Bob Sanders.
Down TerrellOwens, WR, Bills
RB Marshawn Lynchis suspended for the first three games of the season and backup Fred Jackson,though likely to play in the opener against New England, has been dealing witha wrist injury. Expect the Patriots to concentrate on shutting down the Bills'passing game.
Down AntonioBryant, WR, Buccaneers
He finished eighthin the NFL in receiving yards last year, but Bryant missed all of the preseasonwith a torn meniscus in his left knee. What's more, the Tampa Bay offense willhave to adjust to the surprising dismissal last Thursday of coordinator JeffJagodzinski.
Now on SI.com
Find out which players you should start and sit each week at SI.com/fantasy
SPOTLIGHT
Kevin Smith
As a rookie last year the Lions RB was worth a spotstart here and there; this season should elevate him to full-time status, givenhow little competition he has to be the featured back in Detroit for newoffensive coordinator Scott Linehan.
One of Smith's rookie highlights was his 111-yard,one-TD game against the run-susceptible Saints last December; he sees NewOrleans again in Week 1. If you have Smith, absolutely play him; if not, try toswing a trade for him before his increased fantasy value becomes evident.
PHOTO
BOB ROSATO (FLACCO)
PHOTO
DAMIAN STROHMEYER (THOMAS JONES)
PHOTO
BILL FRAKES (JULIUS JONES)
PHOTO
AL MESSERSCHMIDT/GETTY IMAGES (SIMS-WALKER)
PHOTO
JASON POHUSKI/CAL SPORT MEDIA (OWENS)
PHOTO
JERRY LAI/US PRESSWIRE (BRYANT)
PHOTO
ANDREW HANCOCK (SMITH)
