| Just like with the QBs, you shouldn't
have to be told who the stud RBs are that you play every week, but
here they are anyway: Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew,
DeAngelo Williams, Steven Jackson, Frank Gore, and Ray Rice.
Running Backs
Start 'Em:
Running Backs Worthy of Starting Week
1
He'll split time with Ronnie Brown just like he has the past couple
years but Brown is coming off a broken foot and always has trouble
staying healthy, which is why Williams gets the nod this week.
Ricky should rack up some nice points against the 30th-ranked
rushing defense in 2010. The Bills gave up over 150 yards per
game on the ground and Williams could get that total by himself
if Brown struggles at all. Running behind one of the best offensive
lines in the league doesn't hurt either.
Coming into this season Bradshaw has taken over the starter's
role ahead of Brandon Jacobs – much to Jacobs' displeasure. Bradshaw
has the burst and vision that Jacobs does not and should be able
to exploit the below-average run defense of the Panthers. Jacobs
may steal a TD from Bradshaw but the reward is worth more than
that risk, so go ahead and get Ahmad in your lineup.
Wells faces last year's 27th ranked run defense and as he enters
his second season he should see more playing time as he starts
to pull away from Tim Hightower. Additionally, the Cardinals are
looking to run more this year with the offensive changes they
went through this off-season (new QB and loss of a Pro Bowl WR).
Wells is poised to explode onto the scene this year and the Rams
could be the jump-start he needs for that explosion. Editor’s
Note: Monitor Wells’ practice time this week as he’s been bothered
by a knee injury. Tim Hightower would be an excellent play if
Wells sits out.
The rookie who replaces the legend. The Chargers let Tomlinson
go this off-season and drafted Mathews as their franchise RB replacement
for L.T. There should be very little adjustment time needed by
Mathews, especially starting his career against last year's 31st-ranked
run defense. Sproles will still have his random highlight plays
on third downs, but this is Matthews' show and he will not disappoint.
Harrison's opponent, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, were the worst
rushing defense in the league last year, giving up almost 160
yards per game and almost 5 yards per rush attempt. Harrison impressed
the last few games of 2010 and has solidified the starting RB
spot coming into 2010. His main competition, rookie Montario Hardesty
suffered a knee injury in pre-season and is out for the year,
giving the full load of running to Harrison. Look for big things
this year, starting with Week 1 in Tampa.
Bench 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Last year this rookie practically took the Jets on his back during
the playoffs and gave everyone an indication of what was to come
for the foreseeable future. As a result, the Jets let Thomas Jones
and Leon Washington walk while adding veteran LaDainian Tomlinson
for support. Greene should do very well this year as the primary
ball carrier in the Jets offense but it won't start Week 1 thanks
to his opponent – the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens were among
the leaders in run and overall defense last year and should be
just as good, if not better, this season. So, while the future
looks bright for Greene the rest of the season, bench him for
this week.
With the departure of Brian Westbrook, McCoy has the backfield
to himself this year, less some relief work by Mike Bell. However,
he faces the #1 ranked run defense from 2010. The Packers were
one of three teams to give up less than 90 yards per game on the
ground and the only team to give up under 85 rushing yards per
game. With a new starting QB in Kevin Kolb there's too much risk
of struggle to play McCoy this week.
Thomas takes on the #2 run defense from last year who likely hold
a grudge against the Saints for losing to them in the NFC Championship
game last year. Mike Bell is gone, which means the RB-by-committee
is smaller in New Orleans but Thomas still has to contend with
sharing the ball with Reggie Bush. There may be a lot of exciting
plays and even lots of points scored in this game but relying
on the “average” RB Thomas is a mistake.
Forget about this being a huge rivalry, or that the Redskins begin
a new era with Donovan McNabb at QB and Mike Shanahan as Head
Coach. The keys are (1) Portis is aging as we speak, (2) he'll
share RB duties with Larry Johnson, and (3) his opponent, the
Dallas Cowboys had the 4th best run defense last year and could
be even better this year. So enjoy the prime time match-up on
TV but do it without having to worry about Portis' performance.
Wide Receivers 
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