Upgrades
QB Michael Vick - At the end of the first half, Vick was 10 for 10 and had a passing and a running TD. This was against a tough Green Bay defense. Everyone knew Michael could run, but not many knew he had such an accurate arm. He finished the day 15 of 23 for 209 passing yards and a TD. He also ran 9 times for 72 yards and another score. His numbers could have been even better had it not been for some key drops.
QB Peyton Manning - Manning and his offensive arsenal looked good against Jacksonville. He managed to pass for 211 yards and 3 touchdowns. Manning had some problems connecting with James on a few passing plays that would have resulted in some additional yardage. With Harrison, Ismail, Wayne, Pollard and James as his main receiving weapons, Manning will continue to look good throughout the season. Bump him up in your rankings. There's a reason why I had Manning as my top rated quarterback entering the season and he showed it on Sunday.
QB Brett Favre - Some of the questions regarding Favre's receiving options were answered on Sunday against the Falcons. Favre was able to connect with 8 different receivers in racking up 284 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Favre seemed to have a good chemistry with Donald Driver (7-78 yards), Javon Walker (4-56 yards, 1 TD), and Terry Glenn (2-60 yards - minor concussion symptoms). Plain and simple, Favre and the Packers passing game will thrive this season.
QB Aaron Brooks - Brooks continued his development into one of the better quarterbacks on Sunday against a good Tampa Bay defense. Brooks, who finished with 260 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, showed good poise in the pocket and led his team to victory. Brooks is now transforming from "an athlete playing quarterback" to "a quarterback who is a great athlete". Brooks' owners should be very happy with the arrival of rookie Donte Stallworth to combine with Joe Horn and Jerome Pathon at the receiver position.
(Waiver Wire) QB Shane Matthews - The 'Fun and Gun' offense is soaring in Washington at the current time. Matthews had a terrific game against Arizona in week 1. He completed 70% of his passes for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns. Matthews had 1 interception that deflected off a lineman and into the hands of a defender. With Spurrier calling the plays, Matthews should have a quality season, if he can remain healthy. Word of caution: the Redskins played against a woeful Cardinals defense. We'll get a better understanding of Matthews "upside" in next Monday night's game against the Eagles menacing defense. Right now, Matthews is rising.
(Waiver Wire) QB Drew Brees - Brees looked fabulous on Sunday and deserves the upgrade. He didn't put up outstanding numbers, but he was very efficient and produced some quality points. Brees completed 15 of his 19 passes for 160 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Chargers were up early and pounded the ball on the ground, which limited Brees passing numbers. There's no need to worry about Doug Flutie. Brees is the Chargers quarterback of the future and will remain in the lineup as long as he remains healthy.
RB Edgerrin James - He's back. James rushed for 99 yards with powerful and elusive running on Sunday. At times, it appears that James was running a little tentatively, but look for that "mental block" to fade away quickly. Because of his lack of game time situation in the preseason, James was a little off in the passing game, which resulted in a few timing problems with Manning on some short passes. James owners should be rejoicing tonight. Give him the upgrade.
RB Ricky Williams - Williams was sliding down draft boards throughout the preseason because of poor blocking by the Dolphins offensive line. The blocking improved greatly in the first game of the season. Williams was limited to 20 carries because of a huge Dolphins lead, but he still managed 111 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Travis Minor and Robert Edwards replaced Williams in the 4th quarter and combined for 65 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Keep in mind, the Lions are not a powerhouse on defense, but this is still a great sign for Williams and the Dolphins.
RB Stephen Davis - Davis totalled 150 yards on 33 touches (26 rushes, 7 receptions) in week 1. Spurrier appears to be using Davis as the centerpiece of his offense and this bodes well for Davis owners.
RB Travis Henry - Henry looked great on Sunday by hitting the holes hard and finishing with 149 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns (both career highs). Some may think that Henry is a one-week wonder, but I think differently. With Drew Bledsoe, Eric Moulds and Peerless Price keeping defenses honest, Henry should continue to rack up quality yards behind an improved offensive line. One key note, Henry finished with 6 receptions and pass catching fullback Larry Centers caught just 1 pass.
RB Priest Holmes - 141 total yards and 4 touchdowns. Holmes is showing that 2001 was no fluke year. Keep him in your lineup every week...he's a stud.
RB Eddie George - The yardage was not there, but George did manage to score 2 touchdowns and show "the burst" that was missing last season. George appears fully healed from a toe injury that limited his effectiveness in 2001. When the Titans got down by the goal line, George was the first option. With a clean bill of health, George returns as the nucleus of the Titans offense. George dropped into the 2nd round in numerous drafts. He should currently be considered a 1st round talent.
(Waiver Wire) RB Tyrone Wheatley - Despite getting fewer yards than Garner, Wheatley was able to get more carries. Wheatley, whose value was non-existent last season, gained 65 yards on 18 carries and greatly increased his value from nothing to something. Wheatley was in Jon Gruden's doghouse last season. With a neck injury to Zack Crockett, Wheatley will now move into the short yardage back role in the Oakland offense. Wheatley could make a decent option as your 4th or 5th running back.
(Waiver Wire - Deep) RB Jamel White - White was more effective than William Green in Sunday's game. Green is still the starter, but ineffectiveness will not be tolerated by coach Butch Davis. Green managed just 17 yards on 8 carries. White gained 42 yards on 12 carries to go along with his 3 receptions for 20 yards. If Green continues to be unproductive, White will continue to get good looks.
(Waiver Wire) RB Lamont Jordan - Curtis Martin tweaked his ankle and left the game. Although the injury does not appear to be serious, Jordan could be a gem, if Martin is unable to go the next few weeks. Jordan finished Sunday's game with 32 yards on 7 carries (4.6 ypc), which shows his ability to perform, if needed.
WR Marty Booker - Booker looked good on Sunday with 8 catches for 198 yards. Booker should be considered a must start in leagues that require 3 starting wide receivers.
WR Jimmy Smith - Smith returned to the Jaguars in excellent shape following his holdout and displayed his exceptional talent against Indianapolis. He finished with 8 catches for 104 yards and looked good doing it.
WR Qadry Ismail - Ismail should thrive in the Colts offense with teams distracted by both Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison. He caught 6 passes for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns on Sunday. Ismail caught 74 passes for 1059 yards in Baltimore's offense in 2001. His situation is much better playing in Indianapolis this season. Manning appears confident in passing the ball to Ismail instead of Reggie Wayne, which upgrades his value.
WR Rod Gardner/Derrius Thompson/Kevin Lockett - In addition to Stephen Davis, Gardner, Thompson and Lockett were the focal points of the Redskins passing game. Each scored a touchdown against the Cardinals. Gardner led the team with 131 receiving yards to go along with his 43-yard touchdown.
WR Eric Moulds - Moulds started out slowly with just 3 catches in the first half for 17 yards. He finished the game with 8 catches for 112 yards and looked impressive connecting with Drew Bledsoe in the 4th quarter. Moulds struggled in 2001 with Rob Johnson and Alex Van Pelt throwing passes in Buffalo. With a stable quarterback leading the offense, Moulds is in for a big year. This week is just the start of a solid season.
(Waiver Wire) WR Eddie Kennison - Kennison was the most effective Kansas City receiver as he outplayed Johnnie Morton on Sunday. Right now, I'm not gonna jump from the Johnnie Morton bandwagon and ride the Kennison express. However, if Sunday's results become a trend, Kennison will become the favorite receiver of choice. Kennison finished with 120 yards on 4 catches including a 64 yarder while Morton caught 1 pass for 15 yards. Although I expect Morton to be more productive throughout the season, you must give strong consideration to Kennison in 12 to 14-team leagues.
WR Quincy Morgan - 9 catches, 151 yards and 2 touchdowns deserve an upgrade. Don't look for similar production from Morgan on a consistent basis, but it is positive because it shows Morgan's ability to post big numbers. I'll need another solid performance out of Morgan before I put him on my roster. The Chiefs didn't appear ready for the Browns' passing game on Sunday. With Tim Couch out, the Chiefs did not look prepared for a creative passing game from the Browns. Wait for Morgan to produce again before picking him up.
(Waiver Wire) WR - Donald Driver/Javon Walker - Both Driver and Walker looked good against the Falcons. Driver finished with a team leading 7 catches for 78 yards. Walker finished with 4 catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. With Favre throwing the ball, the Packers passing offense will be effective. Plain and simple, someone has to catch the ball. Driver and Walker will get their fair share. Currently, Driver is #2 on the depth chart and Walker is #3. Driver should make a decent #3 fantasy receiver. Walker has great upside and would be a good addition as a 5th fantasy receiver at the current time. I have a feeling that both players will see increased value throughout the season.
(Waiver Wire) TE Randy McMichael - Randy McMichael impressed in his first NFL game. Fiedler seemed comfortable looking in the direction of McMichael, especially inside the 20. He finished the game with 4 catches for 73 yards and a score. McMichael was impressive during the preseason and appears ready to perform when the games count. Look for McMichael to be an integral part of the Dolphins passing game, especially inside the redzone throughout the season. If you need a tight end, give strong consideration to the talented rookie.
Downgrades
QB Tim Couch - Tim was scratched when he could only throw the ball 10 yards downfield on Thursday. Tim may not be hurried back after Kelly Holcomb threw for 326 yards and 3 TDs with no interceptions.
QB Brian Griese - Mike Shanahan asked Steve Beuerlein to put on his helmet and then proceeded to let Brian play one more series. Brian was able to mount a nice drive and remains the starter, but Griese is obviously on a short leash in Denver.
QB Gus Frerotte - Frerotte effectively threw the ball on Sunday (18-31, 198 yards). However, the Bengals offense is bad. Frerotte was pressured and sacked in the 2nd half while looking to throw deeper routes. Without any downfield threats to get open, Frerotte was unable to make any big plays. With Corey Dillon getting shut down, the Bengals were unable to consistently move the ball and get into scoring position. There's no need to consider starting Frerotte at this time.
QB Danny Wuerffel - With Shane Matthews being very effective on Sunday, Wuerffel has dropped further back in his quest to start as the quarterback for the Redskins.
RB James Stewart - Stewart aggravated his knee in warmups and was deactivated for Sunday's game. Lamont Warren started in his place and was unproductive. Stewart has been injury prone throughout his career, so any injury is worthy of a downgrade in his value.
RB Curtis Martin - Martin sprained his ankle in Sunday's game and failed to return. The injury does not appear to be serious, but it is worthy of a downgrade.
RB Corey Dillon - Dillon was held to 10 yards on 9 carries. Granted, San Diego has a solid defense, but there is no need for a top-10 running back to be shut down in this fashion. Dillon has a tendency to have big games against weaker defenses and horrendous games against stronger defenses. You may want to consider benching Dillon against stronger defenses.
RB Clinton Portis/Olandis Gary/Mike Anderson - Gary: 11 rushes for 37 yards. Portis: 5 rushes for 34 yards. Anderson: 7 rushes for 17 yards. Sharing carries is not good for anyone's value. It may allow the Broncos to win games, but it hurts the most important aspect of this great game...fantasy football value. It would be wise to bench these guys until one emerges from the mix and see the majority of carries. I still feel that Portis is the current favorite to become the most effective back from this bunch.
RB William Green - Green was unproductive on Sunday and was outperformed by Jamel White. Green managed just 17 yards on 8 carries. White gained 42 yards on 12 carries to go along with his 3 receptions for 20 yards. If Green continues to be unproductive, White will continue to get good looks and cut into Green's value. There's no need to panic right now. However, Green will need to produce or his value will drop dramatically after he is benched in favor of White.
WR Reggie Wayne - With Qadry Ismail lighting up the Jaguars secondary, Wayne's value decreases. Ismail appeared to be a favorite target of Peyton Manning while catching 6 passes for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns. Wayne looked good catching a few passes over the middle, but just managed 2 catches for 35 yards, while being overshadowed by Ismail. With Manning at quarterback, the Colts will have an outstanding passing attack and Harrison, Ismail and Wayne will all see some scores. However, it appears that Ismail will see more scores than Wayne at the current time.
WR Jacquez Green - Green was completely shut out of the Redskins offense. He failed to catch a pass and was considered the 5th option at best. With Rod Gardner, Derrius Thompson and Kevin Lockett getting the majority of looks, Green's value is non-existent.
WR Johnnie Morton - Morton was held to 1 catch for 15 yards on Sunday. There's no need to jump off the Morton bandwagon, but this is not a good sign and is worth noting. Bump Morton's value down slightly.
WR Robert Ferguson - Ferguson was non-existent in the Packers passing offense on Sunday and is currently behind Terry Glenn, Donald Driver, and Javon Walker on the team's depth chart. Ferguson has no fantasy value at the current time. Favre connected with 8 different receivers on Sunday and Ferguson was not one of them.
WR Bill Schroeder - Besides not catching a pass, Bill quit on several plays where he was likely to get hit. Az-Zahir Hakim defeinitely looks like the number 1 option on a team that will definitely have to pass often.