Arizona Cardinals
* Keep an eye on how many touches running back Tim Hightower receives - especially in the red zone. He could eventually supplant Edgerrin James in the goal-line role.
* Quarterback Kurt Warner and wideouts Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are all great plays against the soft San Francisco secondary
* IDP notes: Watch for the return of safety Adrian Wilson, who is coming back from offseason heel surgery. Wilson was one of the league's top defensive backs before missing seven games last season due to his injury

Atlanta Falcons
* Quarterback Matt Ryan will make his NFL debut, but don't expect a lot from the youngster - young signal-callers typically undergo a rather steep learning curve
* Running back Michael Turner gets his first shot to be "the man", and the eyes of the fantasy world will be on how he fares in that role.
* Wide receiver Roddy White had a breakout season in 2007, but he'll be hard-pressed to match those numbers with a rookie quarterback at the helm. Then again, last year's quarterbacks were no great shakes, either.
* IDP notes: Watch for rookie middle linebacker Curtis Lofton; he may start, and if he holds the starting job, he could be a great IDP sleeper this season.

Baltimore Ravens
* Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco will be at the helm, but he may be without his top weapon in running back Willis McGahee (knee), who looks like a game-time decision.
* If you own McGahee, follow the news right up until kickoff - though he'll almost certainly be limited even if he does play. Ray Rice is your appropriate handcuff option.
* IDP notes: Safety Ed Reed (neck-questionable) is suffering from a nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder, and he'll be a game time decision this week.

Buffalo Bills
* The Bills' top fantasy options look to be healthy, including running back Marshawn Lynch, who should get the rock early and often against the underrated Seahawks "D".
* IDP notes: Middle linebacker Paul Posluszny was off to a huge start last year before fracturing his left forearm during Week 3. He rolled an ankle in practice this week, but he's expected to play Sunday...Former Giants linebacker Kawika Mitchell will make his first start as a member of the Bills...Linebacker Angelo Crowell is out for the season after undergoing surgery on his left knee.

Carolina Panthers
* Wide receiver Steve Smith will serve the first of his two-game suspension this week, so bench him in all leagues.
* Quarterback Jake Delhomme will return after undergoing Tommy John surgery in the offseason, but he's not a recommended start against the tough San Diego Chargers defense.
* Watch how the running back time-share pans out, though neither DeAngelo Williams nor Jonathan Stewart is a particularly attractive play this week.
* IDP note: Middle linebacker Jon Beason is an IDP beast, but watch and see how defensive end Julius Peppers fares in his new position. The former fantasy stud could be primed for a bounce-back season in 2008.

Chicago Bears
* Quarterback Kyle Orton gets the starting nod, and the fantasy football world nods off in reaction. Orton figures to hand the ball off a lot and try to limit his mistakes. He'll have a tough row to hoe against the Colts aggressive front seven...and, oh yeah, that Sanders guy at safety.
* Running back Matt Forte figures to take a bunch of handoffs, tosses and dump passes from Orton this week - but the Colts know that as well. Forte is a decent start as a No. 3 fantasy running back.
* IDP note: Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) is looking like a game-time decision. If you have a comparable option available, use it.

Cincinnati Bengals
* Quarterback Carson Palmer (nose) will wear a plastic visor to protect his broken nose from further injury.
* Wideout Chad Ocho Cinco (shoulder) - his real name now in case you hadn't heard - will wear a sling to help prevent injury to his ailing shoulder. Both he and fellow wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring) practiced fully this week and should be good to go.
* Running back Chris Perry is expected to get the bulk of the carries this week, and could be in for a nice season if he can stay healthy.
* IDP note: Rookie linebacker Keith Rivers will start at the weak-side linebacker's spot. He's in line to put up solid fantasy numbers in 2008, and could produce more than his share of big plays along the way.

Cleveland Browns
* Quarterback Derek Anderson (concussion) and wide receiver Braylon Edwards (foot) practiced without restrictions this week and should be fine Sunday.
* Running back Jamal Lewis (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis and is a game-time decision this week - though he will not be 100 percent. Running back Jerome Harrison would see most of Lewis' lost touches if he can't go.
* IDP note: safety Sean Jones (knee) was limited in practice this week but should start against Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys
* Stud tight end Jason Witten could line up as a third wideout in some formations this week, increasing his already lofty fantasy value.
* IDP notes: Cornerback Adam Jones and linebacker Zach Thomas make their first starts for the Cowboys, and Jones may return punts as well.... Safety Roy Williams will not be a part of the Cowboys' nickel and dime defense packages, lessening his fantasy worth...Cornerback Terence Newman (groin) will be a game-time decision.

Detroit Lions
* Watch to see how many touches running back Rudi Johnson steals from Kevin Smith - though Johnson will likely not draw the goal line duties this week.
* Wide receiver Calvin Johnson had a huge preseason, and will look to carry that success over into the '08 season.
* IDP notes: Safety Leigh Bodden will serve as the Lions' nickel back this week, as he's been unable to win the starting job...Middle linebacker Paris Lenon racked up 88 solo tackles last season and is in a contract year.

Houston Texans
* Running back Ahman Green is slated to start, but expect up-and-coming backup Steve Slaton (turf toe) to see a fair number of touches as well. Chris Taylor is also in the mix for carries, but no Houston running back is a particularly good fantasy play against the stout Pittsburgh "D".
* IDP note: Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans (128 total tackles in 2007) is one of the best fantasy options out there, while defensive end Mario Williams (14 sacks) is showing everyone that maybe the Texans knew what they were doing when they passed on Reggie Bush to take him No. 1.

Indianapolis Colts
* Quarterback Peyton Manning (knee) practiced without restrictions this week and will start against the Bears.
* Center Jeff Saturday (knee) is expected to miss six weeks, which could negatively affect the production of running back Joseph Addai - ahough Addai is still a must-start this week.
* Wideout Marvin Harrison has looked great during preseason, and will be looking to return to his old ways as a fantasy stud.
* IDP note: Safety Bob Sander's reckless abandon makes him an injury risk, but when he's on the field few defenders inspire as much fear among opposing ball carriers.

Jacksonville Jaguars
* Wideout Matt Jones will start in place of the injured Jerry Porter (hamstring), but the balance of Jacksonville's offensive talent should be good to go.
* IDP note: Middle linebacker Mike Peterson could have a huge day against Tennessee's run-oriented attack.

Kansas City Chiefs
* Kansas City's main skill position players are fit and ready to go this Sunday.
* Running back Larry Johnson should see a heavy workload this week, though he should find the going tough against the Pats' sturdy front seven.
* IDP note: Linebacker Donnie Edwards missed time during the preseason with a sore hamstring, but is slated to start this

Sunday...Edwards and fellow 'backer Derrick Johnson are solid fantasy IDP options.

Miami Dolphins
* New quarterback Chad Pennington faces his old team this week, but chances are he won't be asked to do much besides hand the ball off - a lot.
* Pennington will hand the ball to both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown...and the split could be close to 50 / 50.
* The 'Fins wouldn't mind getting the ball into wideout Ted Ginn, Jr.'s hands as much as possible; he figures to return kicks as well as be the team's starting wide receiver Sunday.
* IDP notes: Linebacker Akin Ayodele will try to fill the shoes of departed Zach Thomas...Outside linebacker Joey Porter (back) is slated to start, but he's simply not the player he was during his days in Pitt.

New England Patriots
* Quarterback Tom Brady was removed from the injury report and should be good to go come game time.
* Tight end Benjamin Watson (knee) did not practice all week and will likely be inactive Sunday.
* Running back Kevin Faulk will not play this week due to a one-game league suspension. LaMont Jordan will take his place and should contribute at least a few receptions.
* IDP notes: Linebacker Mike Vrabel is a great player, but fantasy managers shouldn't count on his repeating the career-best 12.5 sacks he posted a season ago.

New Orleans Saints
* Running back Deuce McAllister (knee) practiced fully this week, but don't look for the Saints to give him a heavy workload right away. Deuce and Pierre Thomas figure to split carries, with starter Reggie Bush seeing the most touches of any Saints running back.
* New Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey will hope to build on the fine 57 catches and 619 receiving yards he posted in just 14 games last season. Shockey also should find the end zone more often than the pedestrian three scores he put up in 2007.
* IDP note: Former New York Jets middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma brings his act to the Big Easy, and could be in line for a huge season. The 26-year-old Vilma should flourish now that he's back in a 4-3 scheme again - assuming his surgically repaired right knee holds up, of course.

New York Jets
* All eyes will be on quarterback Brett Favre, as the future Hall of Famer begins his life as a New York Jet. The gunslinger has some nice weapons at his disposal, and makes a good lower-end No. 1 fantasy signal-caller this week.
* One of those weapons - wideout Laveranues Coles - is listed as questionable with a thigh injury, and looks to be a game-time decision. Indications are that Coles will play - he's tough as nails - but follow this situation right up until kickoff.
* IDP notes: The Jets boast a trio of strong IDP fantasy players, led by linebacker David Harris, who posted 127 total tackles and five sacks last season...Safety Kerry Rhodes (67 tackles, two sacks, five interceptions) and corner Darrelle Revis (87 tackles, three picks, 17 passes defended) round out the triumvirate.

Philadelphia Eagles
* Wide receiver Reggie Brown (hamstring) barely practiced this week and does not figure to play at all Sunday.
* Rookie wideout DeSean Jackson will start at flanker, and the youngster makes a great flex player - especially in leagues that reward return yardage.
* The Eagles' lack of aerial options means a double-dose of running back Brian Westbrook could be in order. He should put up big fantasy numbers against the Rams' pedestrian front seven.
* IDP notes: There's a lot of buzz surrounding new middle 'backer Stewart Bradley, who many Eagles fans believe could be the next in a long line of great Eagles middle linebackers...Former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel should be a solid IDP play all season long...Defensive end Trent Cole racked up 70 tackles and 12.5 sacks a season ago, and should provide more of the same in 2008.

Pittsburgh Steelers
* Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger may have been a bit over his skis with his 32 touchdown passes last season, but he's still a solid fantasy starter.
* Running back Willie Parker should be in line for a nice day this week, but Fast Willie's fantasy value takes a hit if bruising Rashard Mendenhall gets the call at the goal line. Mewelde Moore will be the Steelers' third-down back.
* IDP note: Safety Troy Polamalu missed five games last season and three weeks of the '08 preseason due to a myriad of injuries. A gimpy hamstring is his primary malady this week, but the Pro Bowler should be ready to go on Sunday.

San Diego Chargers
* Tight end Antonio Gates (toe) says that his toe is not 100 percent, but that he'll be on the field come Sunday. Gates practiced fully all eek and is slated to start against Carolina.
* Quarterback Phillip Rivers has some decent options at wideout this season, and could be poised to deliver a big year as a result.
* IDP notes: Linebacker Shawne Merriman (knee) is playing through a torn LCL and PCL, and it's not known how effective he'll be while playing on one good leg. Merriman is approaching the situation on a week-to-week basis, but it would be unrealistic to expect big-time numbers (or even a full season) from Merriman this year...Cornerback Antonio Cromartie led the league with 10 interceptions last season, but his rather pedestrian total of 44 tackles should forewarn fantasy owners that Cromartie may be a "one trick pony".

San Francisco 49ers
* New quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan will have to endure a steep learning curve in his first NFL start, though he should have some success against the soft Arizona secondary.
* Running back Frank Gore should get plenty of touches this week, and he generally puts up big numbers against Arizona - especially at home. Start him if you have him.
* Tight end Vernon Davis figures to be O'Sullivan's top target this week, while former Ram Isaac Bruce assumes the mantle of the No. 1 wideout in San Fran.
* IDP notes: Linebacker Patrick Willis had a monster rookie season, and is arguably the top IDP fantasy option out there...Safety Michael Lewis (back) has been dealing with a sore back but should play this week...Cornerback Nate Clements not only picked off four passes last season, he also piled up 92 total tackles and defended 14 passes...Both Clements and Lewis are top-notch options as fantasy DBs.

Seattle Seahawks
* Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (back) has practiced fully this week and should be good to go come Sunday.
* Running back Maurice Morris will start, but he'll lose some carries to Julius Jones. This looks like one of those dreaded "go with the hot hand" scenarios for now, so neither Seattle running back is a particularly palatable fantasy option this week.
* Wide receiver Deion Branch (knee) will not play this week as he tries to come back from reconstructive knee surgery.
* Wideout Nate Burleson could be primed for a breakout year, but he may struggle against the Bills' athletic secondary, which allowed only 19 touchdown passes in 2007.
* IDP notes: Linebacker Lofa Tatupu (knee) was limited in practice this week, but all indications are that he'll be on the field Sunday...Cornerback Marcus Trufant had a huge season in 2007, but since it was his contract year the jury remain out on how he'll fare in '08 with a lucrative new deal in place.

St. Louis Rams
* Quarterback Marc Bulger will try to erase the memories of his dreadful 2007 campaign, but the days of the "Greatest Show on Turf" are long gone in St. Louis. Until he shows signs of life, Bulger should probably remain on your fantasy bench.
* Running back Steven Jackson should get the rock early and often against Philly, and his ability to gain yardage may depend on how well the Eagles' young linebackers perform. Jackson is a low-end No. 1 fantasy running back this week.
* IDP note: Top draft choice Chris Long starts at defensive end, but the big fantasy numbers should come from linebacker Will Witherspoon, who racked up 110 total tackles and seven sacks last season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
* The Bucs' run-first philosophy should be in full force this week, but they'll have their hands full against the Saints' strong front seven.
* Running back Earnest Graham rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown in his lone start against New Orleans last season.
* Top wideout Joey Galloway (groin) was limited in practice this week and missed all four preseason games. He's slated to start, but he's a risky fantasy play.
* IDP notes: Linebacker Derrick Brooks totaled more than 100 tackles for the 12th consecutive season in 2007, but he didn't record a sack or an interception...Middle linebacker Barrett Ruud is probably the Bucs' top IDP player now, and his 114 tackles, two interceptions and three forced fumbles a season ago make him a decent mid-to-lower tier IDP fantasy option.

Tennessee Titans
* It's a pivotal year for quarterback Vince Young (hamstring): Will he be more like the electrifying 2006 version, or the horrifying 2007 incarnation? In either event, he'll face a stern test against the aggressive Jacksonville "D" in Week 1.
* Running back LenDale White will lose a lot of touches to speedy Chris Johnson, and he's at best a borderline fantasy starter against J-Ville this week.
* Placekicker Rob Bironas (groin) missed the entire preseason, but says he'll be out there booting the 'skin this Sunday.
* IDP notes: Linebacker and long-time IDP stud Keith Bulluck had a disappointing 88 tackles in 2007, though he did manage a career-high five picks. He slipped in many drafts as a result, and one wonders whether the 31-year-old can climb back to fantasy glory...If Bulluck is truly on the decline, the heir apparent may be linebacker David Thornton, who piled up 122 tackles, one sack and two interceptions last season.