This Week’s Top Team: This is the best team I could put together for Week 1

QB: Carson Palmer against the Chiefs: Palmer has looked just as accurate as ever during his two game stint in the preseason. He’s not quite there with stepping up in the pocket yet, but the Chiefs have never been much for pass rushing. Expect Palmer to find Chad Johnson and TJ Hoosyourmammma early and often on rout to a top QB day in Kansas City.

RB: Larry Johnson against the Bengals: First of all, it’s well known that LJ can’t be stopped. Second of all, it’s well known that the Bengals can’t stop solid runners. With Carson Palmer whipping the ball around to his elite wideouts, expect Marvin Edwards to try and feed LJ the rock trying to control the clock. Week 1 should show the fantasy world why LJ was the #1 overall pick in most leagues.

RB: LaDainian Tomlinson against the Raiders: The Raiders couldn’t shut down Kent State’s rushing attack last season, and this season only looks worse. Warren Sapp still looks big, but I don’t know if that’s such a good thing. LT should go off against one of the worst run defenses of all time. Those of you who are worried about Phillip Rivers’ ability to throw the ball effecting Tomlinson need not worry in Week 1. I could hand the ball off to LT and watch him pick apart the Raiders.

WR: Anquan Boldin against the 49ers: Last year Boldin and the Cardinals played the 49ers twice during the regular season. Both times the Cardinals won the game. Both times Boldin had over 100 yards receiving. In those two games combined, ‘Quan put up some serious numbers. Try 19 catches for 272 yards and two touchdowns. That’s completely baller.

WR: Randy Moss against the Chargers: Last year the Chargers had one of the worst secondarys in football. It seemed like anyone could get loose on the SD boys, and I don’t see what they’ve done to change that. They took a raw and young rookie in the draft, he won’t be able to touch Randy in his first season. Jammer won’t slow Moss down either. With the Raiders almost certain to be down early in the game, expect Randy to get his chances early and often. Aaron Brooks loves to get the ball to his playmakers.

TE: Antonio Gates against the Raiders: If Phillip Rivers wants to feel comfortable throwing the ball; he’ll definitely do his best to find the leagues best tight end as much as possible. Michael Huff is just a rookie, so I can assure you that Gates will have a couple little tricks up his sleeve to hoodwink the rook. The Raiders don’t have stud linebackers, so expect Gates to run show like he always does.

K: Jeff Wilkins against the Broncos: Jeff should have a very solid year for the Rams. With Mike Martz and his “go for it on 4th and 8 from the 30 yard line” BS relocated to Detroit, one of the leagues most accurate kickers should make his run at the title formerly held by Neil Rackers; League’s Best Kicker. This week against the Broncos he should get plenty of opportunities to put up points. Denver’s D is solid but not amazing, which should allow the Rams to move just far enough to take advantage of Wilkins.

D: Chicago Bears against Green Bay: The Packers team is brutal. Their O-Line is young and fragile. Brett Favre is older nowadays, and he loves to throw the ball up for grabs. Chicago loves to score defensive points. Those two things mold together to make a damn good D on Sunday.

LUCKY’S Week 1 SLEEPERS

Phillip Rivers: As a competitive kid, Rivers will be out to prove his critics wrong in his first game as a starter. What a deal for him, he gets to try that against the Oakland Raiders. With Gates, Tomlinson, and McCardell expect Rivers to shine.

Frank Gore: While many have Gore as their #3 or #4 RB, he should get a nice look this week starting against the 49ers. Right now, everything on the ground out of San Fran should go through him. He’s always ran well, but now the job and the 20+ carries that go along with being the man, is his.

Reuben Droughns: RD should get his carries up around 25 in Week 1 against the Saints. Charlie Frye isn’t as accurate as the Browns coaching staff would like yet, so expect them to ride Droughns as far as he’ll take them. Without anyone who can stop RD on their linebacking corps, this could be a long day for the Saints secondary, because no one small likes to run into Droghns 15 times a game.

Matt Jones: Jones speed, size, and athleticism make him a touchdown threat every time he gets the ball thrown his way. Dallas’ secondary isn’t the strongest group on the planet, and if Jones gets matched up with Roy Williams, expect him to fly by the Oklahoma standout for a score or two. Plus, you know Dallas will stack up against the run and make Byron beat them. Opportunities for Jones are on the Jag’s agenda.

Nate Burelson: Nasty Nate should have a big week against the Lions. It’s unsure whether or not D-Jack will be suiting up for the Seahawks on Sunday in Detroit, but either way, and especially if he’s the #1 target, Nate should have a nice game. His precise routes, his speed, and his sticky fingers are perfect for Seattle’s offense. The Lions defense isn’t one of the better units the league has to offer.

Ben Watson: After seeing Ben race down Champ Bailey in the AFC playoffs last season, its hard not to love the guy. His speed and athleticism are almost unheard of at his position. And with Deion Branch not “available” for Sunday’s game, Ben should get the majority of play that would go Branch’s way normally. Tom likes to toss it to his tight ends. Watson could be huge in Week 1, and any week after for that matter.

Eagels DST: The Eagles go start work against the Texans. I don’t think the Texans will be as awful this season as they were last, but I also don’t think they’ll be a scoring surplus. The Eagles had an off year, but they return a team with some of the best talent in the league. Expect a bounce back year in Philly, led by a tougher D.
LUCKY’S Week 1 WUSSIES

Brett Favre: The pride of Wisconsin will almost surely have an opening day to forget the Sunday against the Bears. Brett struggled all last season against foes like the Lions, Vikings, and every other team in the league. This year he lost his long time center, and he got a year older. The Bears have pounded Brett recently, so look for Mr. Favre to struggle throughout.

Julius Jones: This is a tough spot for the former Notre Dame rusher. Jones is going up against one of the toughest front 4’s in the league, and his backup expects to get plenty of play as well. This could be the beginning of a tough season for JJ. He’ll almost certainly be sent into the teeth of John Henderson and Marcus Stroud, and they have quite a bite. If he struggles early, his chances will dwindle.

Hines Ward: He’s not feeling too hot, but he’s probable. Charlie Batch will be his quarterback, which if I were him, would make me doubtful. He’s doubtful for my starting lineup that’s for sure. Miami’s D is decent, not great, but with Batch trying to slow the game down, Hines won’t get the opportunity to shine.

Joey Galloway: I would hate to go up against the Ravens with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed back running show. Joey should be limited by both the Ravens defense and the slow it down, a field goal wins offense that both the Bucs and Ravens will be playing. This game will not be fantasy friendly.