Sizzle:
Drew Brees: With apologies to Mr. Jessica Simpson in Dallas, with Tom Brady down for the count and Peyton Manning still getting back into form, Brees represents the best at quarterback in fantasy football. After a quick start against Tampa’s tough pass defense on Sunday, Brees struggled and it appeared the Saints were headed for an opening day loss at home; however, the former Charger signal-caller recovered and threw for three touchdowns, amassing 348 yards against one of the NFL’s stingiest secondaries.
Michael Turner: LaDainian Tomlinson’s backups Mike Tolbert and Darren Sproles combined for a whopping total of 9 yards on 8 carries. Tomlinson’s former caddy blazed his own starting trail in Atlanta on Sunday. Turner ran 22 times for 220 yards and two touchdowns, thoroughly embarrassing the Lions' shell-shocked defense. Whether Turner can keep this blistering pace up remains to be seen; he’ll have a tough time next week on the road versus Tampa Bay.
Willie Parker: How many touchdowns did Parker score in ’07? If you guessed 2, you’re correct. The North Carolina Tar Heel outdid himself on Sunday against Houston by rushing for three scores and picking up 138 yards. Parker managed to do so on 25 carries and alleviated concerns of losing time to rookie Rashard Mendenhall. The good times should roll for Parker in Week 2 when the Steelers take on a mediocre Browns defensive unit.
DeSean Jackson: Who needs Randy Moss, Anquan Boldin, or Larry Fitzgerald when the Eagles have Jackson? OK, perhaps a bit extreme, but the rookie provided a promising performance. Six catches for 106 yards is a good start for the Cal rookie who is helping an ailing Eagles receiving corps. Look for him to keep busy in Week 2 at Dallas.
Matt Forte: Peyton Manning’s "Welcome Back? party and the regular season opening of Lucas Oil Stadium were rudely interrupted by Forte and the Bears. The rookie back rambled for 123 yards and a score. He looked sharp, which was far cry from how he appeared during the preseason at times. Forte is the clear go to guy in the Windy City. Week 2 poses an intriguing matchup against the Panthers. Despite his strong start, use caution when dealing with him due to Chicago’s lack of offensive help.
Fizzle:
Tom Brady: Fantasy Armageddon is upon us. Brady’s season is reportedly over, and that of any owner who used a first-round pick on him could be in great peril as well. It’s a hard task to follow up such a historical season like the one Brady produced. Teams will take away what you do best--just ask the Giants. They have the Super Bowl rings to prove it. As a result of Brady’s injury, New England’s high flying passing game is grounded until further notice. Start trading those Patriots on your roster immediately, especially that Randy Moss character.
Peyton Manning: Determined not to allow the Colts similar success to Super Bowl XLI, the Bears' defense blitzed Manning (30-49, 257 yards, TD) frequently. His throws often fell a bit short or a bit long. The two-time MVP did not look like himself. In fact, the Colts adjusted the offense due to Manning’s mobility after his offseason knee surgery. Missing from Indy’s repertoire on Sunday night was their stretch play, which takes time to develop and, most importantly, requires Manning to take several steps quickly before handing off to the back. Manning is not close to familiar form and it may take some time before he gets there.
Derek Anderson: I was not high on Anderson at all this season based on how he played against playoff teams last season and how he concluded 2007. Against the Cowboys, he lived up to those expectations. Anderson completed just 11 of 24 attempts for 114 yards. He looked unsure at times and didn’t play with the same level of confidence that brought him success in ’07. It does not get any easier for Anderson, who was victimized by inconsistency and injuries at the receiver spot. The Browns host Pittsburgh next Sunday night.
Torry Holt: It’s a shame when future Hall of Fame players hit the backside of their careers with bad teams. Holt grabbed only one catch for nine yards during Philadelphia’s 38-3 annihilation of the Rams. Remember the phrase “The Greatest Show on Turf”? Those days are long gone. Philadelphia’s secondary is loaded, which did not help, but getting the ball in Holt’s hands merely once is inexcusable. The lone upside for Holt owners is that it appears the Rams defense is dreadful which means they’ll be in chase mode quite often which should lead to more chances for Holt.
Maurice Jones-Drew/Fred Taylor: This 2007 dynamic duo bombed on opening day, combining for 31 yards on 14 carries. Ouch.