Ask the Geeks
Matt's take: Moss is hard to judge and tends to occasionally explode with a huge game, so I can't blame anyone for starting him on a weekly basis, but the 'Skins offense looks gawdawful at this point. While the Miami defense's weak spot is its secondary, they will be able to double-team Moss because he's the only viable downfield target on the team. Miami's offense is just as bad as Washington's; this has all the makings of a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair that won't favor a big-play receiver like Moss.
As for Cotchery, his performance is going to depend upon the health of Thomas Jones. If he's fully recovered (as it appears he may be), the Jets' running attack is going to give Pennington some space to find Cotchery and Coles. As long as Pennington can get him the ball, Cotchery should have a solid, if not spectacular, game as a #3 fantasy WR. I'd go with him.
Brandon's take: Cotchery lit up New England last season to the tune of 291 yards and 3 touchdowns in three games...definitely plug him in with confidence, especially considering the troubles the New England defense is facing right now.
Matt's take: Nah, I'd definitely start Rivers over McNair, even against the Bears. Rivers may be young and far less accomplished than McNair, but he's surrounded by some stellar weapons, including a superstar running back who had over 500 yards receiving last season. If you're ever going to use McNair, doing so against the Bengals' 31st-ranked pass defense is probably your best opportunity, but I'd still go with Rivers.
Brandon's take: I have to agree with Matt on this one. Rivers has the chance to score TD's against any defense because of Gates and LT in the redzone (and maybe Vincent Jackson...we'll have to wait and see). I have a feeling the Ravens will try to run the ball all day with their new toy Willis McGahee, relying on their defense to keep the score manageable. Rivers definitely has more upside here.
Matt's take: It may be a little early in the season to start a rookie WR, but I gotta like Gonzo Part Deux's chances in the impending shootout that is tonight's Colts-Saints game. That said, Furrey could be a very sneaky start this week, as the Detroit coaches are making a point of starting him over Calvin Johnson. It's doubtful that they'll do what everyone will be half-expecting and watching for: namely, sticking CJ in as the starter by the end of the 1st quarter.
So, it's a tough call - Indy's rookie #3 in a shootout, or Detroit's temporary #2 against the very solid Oakland secondary. I'm not as much of a believer in Jon "wakes up every day and has to splash water on his face to make sure he's not dreaming and really a starting QB in the NFL" Kitna as Brandon is, so I'll go with the guy Peyton will be throwing to. Start Gonzalez.
Brandon's take: Hmm...this is a tricky one. All four of the receivers come into this game with huge question marks. Ideally, I'd like to recommend Bennett, but with injury concerns and having no clue how he'll do, I'm actually benching him in a league of my own this week. I'll agree with Matt again and go with the rookie Gonzalez, primarily because Peyton should have a field day with a suspect New Orleans pass defense tonight.
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2 comments
#1. Jeremy, 1 year ago
I wound up with some sub-standard receivers on my team after the draft and have been working the waiver-wire ever since looking for someone who might step up. Starters are Steve Smith, Hines Ward, Laverneous Coles. From ww I got Kevin Curtis and Santanio Holmes. Also available is Devery Henderson. The ww players are all listed as #2 on their respective depth charts, but I feel could easily outperform the likes of a Ward or Coles. Who do you like for week 1?
#2. Matt, 1 year ago
Dude. Unless you're in an 8-team league, those aren't "sub-standard" receivers. I'd be pretty happy with that corps, and your depth with Curtis and Holmes is really nice. I'd start the three you have in there now but watch for good things from Holmes and Curtis as the year progresses.
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