Upgrades

QB Carson Palmer (Cin) - I have been touting him all preseason and the more I see him play, the more I like Carson Palmer. For someone with no game experience, he looked very poised despite multiple defensive looks from the Jets. He finished with 18 for 27 for 248 and 2 TDs (with 1 interception). A great debut to what could likely be an outstanding season.

QB Jeff Garcia (Cle) - Jeff had a great game against the mighty Baltimore defense. And he had this despite getting sacked, knocked down and hurried. He finished 15 for 24 for 180 yards and 1 TD (no interceptions). He also added 13 yards and a TD rushing. He won't always have this tough of a matchup.

*** Waiver wire - QB Vinny Testaverde (Dal) - In its current form, the Cowboys running game is awful. Parcells has no choice but to throw the ball. A healthy Julius Jones will likely decrease the pass attempts (Dallas had 50 pass attempts this week), but Testeverde looks like a viable backup in large leagues.

*** Waiver wire - QB A.J. Feeley (Mia) - Feeley wasn't stellar, but Fiedler was horrible. Coach Wannstedt has already named Feeley as the starter for week 2. I saw this coming a mile away, but just did not know it would happen this fast. Although we do not expect big things from AJ, the Dolphins could be forced to pass while playing from behind.

QB Daunte Culpepper (Min) - When you are predicted to be the man, there is no where to go but down. But Daunte and his 5 TDs improved his stock (if that was possible). He was making great decisions all day as he went through his progressions. Make no mistake about it - Culpepper will be in the running for the league MVP award this season.

QB Tom Brady (NE) - The Patriots debuted with no RB in the backfield and stayed in a no-huddle for the whole first series. With Deion Branch, David Patten, David Givens, Troy Brown and Daniel Graham, this team is going to throw it a lot this year. Tom Brady completed 26 of 38 for 335 yards and 3 TDs. It might be like this all year.

QB Chad Pennington (NYJ) - He did not play the toughest defense (Cincinnati), but he looked in control all day long. He finished with 20 for 27 for 224 yards and 2 TDs (no interceptions). With Curtis Martin also looking sharp, Chad Pennington is likely to keep defenses off-balance all season long.

QB Donovan McNabb (Phi) - Wow. 26 for 36 for 330 yards and 4 TDs. He had no interceptions. Terrell Owens changes everything with this team in our opinion. Todd Pinkston makes a great #2 receiver. The tight ends are great complimentary options. Brian Westbrook is a threat every time he catches the ball in the flat. Expect McNabb to be a force this season. He finally has a lot of options.

*** Waiver wire - QB Drew Brees (SD) - Brees continued where he left off in the preseason. He finished the game with 17 for 24 for 209 yards and 2 TDs. He had no interceptions. This kind of solid play will keep Philip Rivers on the bench.

*** Waiver wire - QB Ken Dorsey (SF) - He is expected to start in week 2 with the injury to Tim Rattay.

*** Waiver Wire - RB Emmitt Smith (Ari) - He is old, but he looked pretty good against a defense (St. Louis) that is not expected to be horrible against the run. After week 1's performance, he is the clear starter in Arizona (at least for the time being). He had 1 run that went 15 yards. If you are desperate for a starting RB, Emmitt might be able to fill in for you.

RB Warrick Dunn (Atl) - He was the ground game for the Falcons. Dunn got 19 of the 22 rushes by the RBs yesterday including the goal line looks. He represents great value in this West Coast Offense this season.

RB Thomas Jones (Chi) - Make no mistake about it. The Bears offense involves a heavy dose of Thomas Jones in both the running and passing game. He finished with just 67 yards rushing (on 21 carries), but did score 2 TDs. He added another 6 catches for 38 yards. It is worth noting he was targeted 8 times in the passing game.

RB William Green (Cle) - He didn't set the world on fire (and Suggs is supposedly healing up from his neck stinger), but his 92 total yards were fairly impressive in that they came against the defense of the Ravens. If Suggs stays on the sidelines, Green will be a workhorse.

RB Julius Jones (Dal) - If week one didn't scream out that the Cowboys need a real RB then nothing will. This job is so ripe for Jones. He needs to shake off his rib injury and get on the field.

RB Quentin Griffin (Den) - Whether it is the system or Denver's ability to draft great RBs does not matter. Quentin Griffin locked down the starting job for good with an explosive performance in week 1.

RB Domanick Davis (Hou) - The Texans involved Domanick Davis early in both the running and the passing game. He finished with 21 carries for 87 yards and 2 TDs. He also added 70 yards on 5 carries. Tony Hollings only managed 3 carries and 1 reception so the preseason statements that Hollings would share the load appear to be untrue.

RB Edgerrin James (Ind) - Despite some costly fumbles that contributed to the Colts losing their opening game, Edgerrin James was very powerful running the football. He finished with 142 rushing yards on 30 carries. He added another 29 yards on 3 receptions. He is in a contract year and seems to be on a mission. He did all of this against a New England defense that was suppose to be adequate against the run (even after losing nose tackle Ted Washington)

*** Waiver Wire - RB Dominic Rhodes (Ind) - He established himself as a very capable runner should Edgerrin James fall victim to injury. He also could be the best option on the goal line for the Colts this season. He finished the game with 10 carries for 42 yards and a TD.

*** Waiver Wire - RB Lamar Gordon (Mia) - After being a Dolphin for only half a week, Gordon was given a dozen carries (the other Miami backs had six total) and caught five passes. Once he settles in, Gordon will be given every opportunity to excel. He won't be a fantasy stud on this offense, but he'll likely be a starting quality back in most leagues.

RB Onterrio Smith (Min) - He looked very good week one and the competition is dropping like flies. Bennett is still hobbled by the knee injury and now Bennett will miss some time with a bad ankle. Of course remember that Smith is still facing a league suspension due to drug use, but his appeal will not be until week four. Ride him until then…the Vikings will.

RB Tiki Barber (NYG) - He quietly had 200 combined yards. He rushed 9 times for 125 yards and a TD. He also added 75 yards on 5 catches. Although Dayne had 13 carries yesterday, we do not expect that to continue at that ratio in future weeks.

RB Curtis Martin (NYJ) - Curtis set an NFL record for most rushing yards for someone over 30 years old in a game. He finished with 29 carries for 196 yards and a TD. He added another 7 yards receiving and a TD. Note that he gained these yards with his longest run being 24 yards. So he wasn't adequate for most of the game and then had a huge play. He was dominant on virtually every play he was involved in. Potentially even more surprising, Lamont Jordan was a non-factor in the game (0 carries). Sounds like the team and HC Herman Edwards will again use Curtis Martin as a workhorse back.

RB Brian Westbrook (Phi) - Outstanding in the open field, Brian continued where he left off last year. With Correll Buckhalter lost for the season, this is Westbrook's chance to show he can carry the running game by himself. He finished with 17 rushes for 119 yards and added another 42 yards on 3 receptions. We do not expect him to be a 25 carry back anytime soon, but with McNabb and Terrell Owens looking sharp, Westbrook should do just fine with his 15-20 carries per game.

*** Waiver Wire - RB Maurice Morris (Sea) - He gets his chance with the injury to Shaun Alexander. Although Shaun is only suppose to miss a few weeks, you could do worse than this spot starter.

RB Marshall Faulk (StL) - He had 145 total yards (128 rushing and 17 receiving). He may not be the Faulk of old, but he looks like he still has something left in the tank. The fact that Steven Jackson fumbled has to also help his cause.

*** Waiver Wire - RB Michael Pittman (TB) - It's not often that a player on suspension deserves an uptick, but the Tampa Bay running game (30 yards on 15 carries) was lacking punch in week one. If Charlie Garner doesn't improve upon his week one production, the door will certainly be open for Pittman. He will likely be available on most leagues waiver wire even for a couple more weeks.

RB Clinton Portis (Was) - We all know he has talent, but there was some concern how he might do away from the successful Denver blocking schemes. He finished with 148 yards and a TD on 29 carries. On his long TD run, the offensive line opened up a hole the size of Wallmart. That is all we needed to see. This is the same offensive line that on paper looks pretty good (but has usually under-achieved). This could be the year that it all comes together.

WR Larry Fitzgerald (Ari) - Larry was targeted 9 times. His 70 yards are what you can likely expect every week.

WR Eric Moulds (Buf) - It's easy to dismiss Moulds' even year / odd year production totals as a simple statistical quirk, but he was very good in week one against a quality defense. He is a talented WR that will be an excellent fantasy option if he stays healthy.

WR David Terrell (Chi) - He has emerged as the team's #1 WR. Many have been waiting for that to happen for years now. Not sure what light went on, but Terrell looked good despite sub-par QB play by Rex Grossman.

WR Antonio Bryant (Dal) - He was heavily involved in the passing game with 11 targets (catching 8). He is still the #3 WR (behind Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn), but looks like he will some activity when the Cowboys fall behind in games.

WR Keyshawn Johnson (Dal) saw 15 targets this week. I think it is safe to believe Vinny Testaverde feels comfortable throwing to him.

WR Ashley Lelie (Den) - With Darrius Watts looking sharp in the preseason, Ashley Lelie's stock continued to plummet during the preseason. Lelie managed 4 catches on 5 targets while compiling 88 yards receiving. Watts managed to grab just 1 catch on 2 targets. Lelie should be able to hold off Watts all season if he plays up to his ability. He was likely further helped by Rod Smith's fumbling. Rod coughed up the ball 2 times.

WR Roy Williams (Det) - The rookie is now the #1 WR option since Charles Rogers is lost for the season.

*** Waiver Wire - WR Az-Zahir Hakim (Det) - Somebody has to play WR#2 now. Hakim looks like he will beat Tai Streets out for the job. Hakim and Roy Williams each had 7 targets. Tai Streets had just 1 target (and 1 catch).

WR Deion Branch (NE) - The New England passing game looks like it is going to be very potent this year. And although Tom Brady will mix it up among many players, I fully expect Deion Branch to be the biggest recipient of these passes. In the game he played this week against Indianapolis, he led all the NE receivers with 9 targets.

*** Waiver Wire - WR David Patten (NE) - He had 7 targets while Givens had just 5. Through most of the preseason it was assumed that Givens would be the #2 WR. That may not end up being the case.

WR Terrell Owens (Phi) - Andy Reid made the deal with Terrell Owens that if TO scored 20 touchdowns, he could wear tights to practice. This might have been all the motivation TO needed as he seems like he is on a mission this year. He is just 17 touchdowns away from his goal after picking up 3 on opening week.

WR Darrell Jackson (Sea) - He caught the passes while Koren Robinson still has the dropsies. I expect Matt Hasselbeck will look to Jackson more going forward.

WR Brandon Lloyd (SF) - He finished with just 5 catches for 29 yards, but was targeted 13 times. He will bounce back.

WR Michael Clayton (TB) - It is all about opportunity. With Galloway out 4-6 weeks, Clayton is the team's new #1 WR.

WR Keenan McCardell (TB / Holdout) - I could see these discussions heating up as Tampa Bay is going to be hurting badly without Galloway. It's unlikely that the Bucs will give a new deal, but possibly backing off the fines, etc could end this stalemate. I doubt Keenan McCardell wants to leave millions on the table by not playing either.

TEs are going to explode this year. After watching numerous games yesterday, I am convinced they will benefit the most by the new enforcement of the chuck after 5 yards rule. And that actually makes sense. These pass-catching TEs are slow, but can use their bodies to get open. If the defense can't mug them (like in year's past), they are open all the time.

TE Todd Heap (Bal) - He finished the day with 9 catches for 86 yards. He was targeted a whopping 15 times. He is likely the #1 TE this season even playing for the Ravens.

TE Daniel Graham (NE) - He looks in mid-season form. He had 10 targets while Watson and Fauria combined had just 5. Graham is the man in New England. He finished the game with 7 catches for 57 yards and a TD.

TE Randy McMichael (Mia) - Another receiver that is benefiting from the enforcement of the chuck rule. He had 10 targets and caught 8 of those passes. He finished with 8 catches for 79 yards and a TD.

TE Antonio Gates (SD) - Wow. He is their passing game. He caught all 9 of his targeted passes and ended up with 126 yards. He should be among the top of the tight ends at year's end. He looks that good.

*** Waiver Wire - PK Lawrence Tynes (KC) - The Chiefs are going to roll on offense and Tynes is the kicker there. He is no danger of losing his job as the team has brought him in to compete with Morten Andersen for 3 years prior to giving him the job. He made a 50 yarder last night and attempted another one (he missed it). He could easily finish the year among the top 5-10 kickers in this offense.

*** Waiver Wire - PK John Hall (Was) - With a strong defense and the explosive Portis in Washington, Hall should have a ton of kick opportunities.

Def Buffalo Bills (Buf) - If your league rewards fantasy points for yards and points allowed this unit is a quality option. They created a couple of turnovers, but their real value is simply playing solid defense against a team with a quality runner and a good WR.

Def Jacksonville Jaguars (Jac) - See Buffalo Bills comments.

Def Washington Redskins (Was) - Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams' defense kept the Buccaneers out of the endzone and didn't allow a first down until the middle of the 2nd quarter. Plus, this attacking defense had four sacks and forced two turnovers.

Aberrations

QB Trent Green (KC) - Yes, Holmes will score tons of TDs on the ground, but Green will not be shut out often.

QB Steve McNair (Ten) - "Air" wasn't called upon too often (only 14 pass attempts) because the running game was surprisingly eating up chunks of yardage (182 total rushing yards) and the Dolphins offense was woeful. With the Colts next on the schedule, McNair's arm will definitely be needed and used.

RB ReShard Lee (Dal) - He may have grabbed some headlines with his TD, but Lee is not the answer for the Cowboys at RB.

RB Deuce McAllister (NO) - He was not inspiring against the Seahawks, but that is an improved defense. He should right the ship with upcoming games against the 49ers, Rams, and Cardinals.

RBs Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis (Pit) - This looks like a great time to acquire Staley as his owners are obviously reeling with each of Bettis' three opening game TDs. The good news is that the Steelers won't reach the one yard line on every drive this season so Staley will have opportunities to find the endzone. Staley's 25 touches show that he is the focal point of this offense. Bettis will still score some TDs, but Staley's will come as well.

RB Kevan Barlow (SF) - The entire 49ers offense began their season with a ton of jitters (Barlow fumbling on their first play from scrimmage was horrible for their psyche), but the team settled down as the game wore on (Barlow's ypc went from 3.4 in the first half to 4.5 in the second). Barlow and the entire offense will also be helped immensely when FB Fred Beasley returns from injury.

WR Brandon Stokley (Ind) - He caught quite a few passes as the third option and that's exactly what he is (the third WR). Although he may have some good games, it would be very hard to predict when those games would happen. Outside of an injury to Harrison or Wayne, I do not see much fantasy value from Stokley.

WRs Torry Holt & Isaac Bruce (StL) - There will be a few more weeks where Bruce is the top fantasy WR, but at season's end Holt will post the better numbers overall. That said, the difference probably won't be as great as it was in 2003.

Downgrades

QB Rex Grossman (Chi) - If you can't have a good game against the Lions, then something is wrong. It took 35 attempts to get 227 yards and no TDs. He threw two interceptions and had a fumble. He started the season with no love, but surprisingly is now a bit lower.

QB Joey Harrington (Det) - He looked awful without Charles Rogers on the field. I expect a long season.

QB Byron Leftwich (Jac) - He won the game on a desperate pass that was triple covered. That was his one TD. He finished the game 18 for 36 for 147 yards (just over 4 yards per attempt). He also threw two interceptions. Buffalo has a good defense, but Leftwich looked like he had no idea what to do.

QB Jay Fiedler (Mia) - He stunk up the joint (passer rating = 8) and has already been demoted in favor of Feeley. As a rule of thumb, a QB having a rating of one digit usually will result in a demotion the next week.

QB Kurt Warner (NYG) - It is painful to watch Kurt on the field. He looks scared. And with the NYG offensive line protecting him, he is probably justified. He already has 2 fumbles (losing 1). I give him just a few more starts before Eli Manning is the clear starter.

QB Tim Rattay (SF) - He is not expected to play in week 2. He was dinged all preseason too. This is starting to look like a trend.

QB Brad Johnson (TB) - He had just 169 passing yards on 37 attempts. He scored no touchdowns and had an interception. I can see Chris Simms behind center with a few more games like this.

QB Mark Brunell (Was) - The Redskins look had 40 rush attempts against 24 pass attempts. This could be their plan all year long.

RB T.J. Duckett (Atl) - He will need an injury to Dunn to post quality fantasy numbers this season.

RB Lee Suggs (Cle) - He missed opening week while suffering from a neck stinger. The team says that Suggs is improving, but early injuries are very worrisome. More bad news for Suggs comes in the form of William Green. He wasn't amazing against the Ravens, but Green's 92 total yards is fairly impressive against such a strong defense. It is likely that Suggs will be on the field this season, but it will be tough for him to be the team's primary RB.

RB Eddie George (Dal) - He averaged 3.1 ypc and was outplayed by ReShard Lee. Ouch and ouch.

RB Richie Anderson (Dal) - 6 carries for 10 yards + a fumble lost. Enough said.

RB Travis Minor (Mia) - Gordon is the man here now.

RB Michael Bennett (Min) - With Onterrio Smith looking good, the Vikings won't likely rush him back.

RB Corey Dillon (NE) - He actually ran hard, but he did not catch a single pass. That will limit his value to much less than he was drafted at in most leagues.

RB Garrison Hearst (Den) - He has no role in this offense.

WR Charles Rogers (Det) - The poor guy has broken the same collarbone that he fractured last season. He's out for a long while.

WR Reggie Wayne (Ind) - Wayne will definitely post some good numbers in some games, but there will also be more games where Stokley makes Wayne invisible. This is not a guy that can be relied upon every week.

WR Dante Hall (KC) - Johnnie Morton is back on the field which will limit Hall's touches at WR.

WR Koren Robinson (Sea) - He dropped some easy ones again this week. Look for the team to go to Darrell Jackson more often if this continues.

WR Joey Galloway (TB) - He went out in the 2nd quarter with a groin strain and is out "indefinitely".

TE Boo Williams (NO) - He was able to explode last season with Conwell on the bench with injury. Don't abandon the Williams ship just yet, but be prepared for a few more games this season where he is outperformed by Conwell.

Def Kansas City Chiefs (KC) - Gunther Cunningham is a great coach, but when you start with awful and try and shine it up with no free agents, you end up with awful.

Def New England Patriots (NE) - They were shredded by the Colts for 202 rushing yards so the loss of Ted Washington to free agency could be looming far larger than expected. This is still a good fantasy defense, but they drop a bit in leagues that deduct for points and yards allowed.

TE Jerramy Stevens (Sea) had no catches. He might have a better attitude this season, but he will need to see some balls thrown his way to get much value.