Week 1: Hot or Not

QB, Tony Romo - Dallas Cowboys
How did Jerry Jones figure he would benefit by waiting to ink Tony Romo to a contract extension? Are we sure Jerry Jones wasn't running the accounting division over at Enron? Couldn't you hear Romo's agent yelling into the phone at Jerry Jones after Sunday Night's nationally televised 4 touchdown performance - 'Show Me The Money!!' All kidding aside, this gravy train is just getting going and as long as Romo stays healthy he can pre-book his February flight to Hawaii. All of you Peyton Manning first-round takers are gonna shed a tear or two when Tony Romo with an average draft position several rounds later matches or bests Peyton all season long. The Dallas offense is looking downright unstoppable right now, and with a banged-up defensive secondary, they will continue to be relied upon to light up the scoreboard.

WR, Larry Fitzgerald - Arizona Cardinals
Larry Fitzgerald was really one of the tougher calls to make heading into this fantasy season. He's physically gifted and supremely talented and he's playing with an emerging young gunslinger. But the real concern centered around new head coach Ken Whisenhunt and the run-first mantra he inherited during his days in Pittsburgh. How would that effect Fitzgerald and the Cardinals overall offensive philosophy? If Week 1 is any indication of what's to come, Fitzgerald owners are in for a rude awakening. Fitzgerald caught only 3 balls in their opener against San Francisco, and Matt Leinart struggled mightily to find rhythm in the passing game. The Cardinals are clearly more conservative under Whisenhunt's watch, and this is going to make Fitzgerald have one of those impossible to predict hot and cold type seasons. Yes, it is hard to imagine Fitz not having some big weeks, and I suspect he will. But when they'll come, and against whom, is going to be one of those things that will cause fantasy owners to pull their hair out. If you own Fitz this year - wait for him to put up one of his 100-yard and a touch games, and then SELL!

QB, Donovan McNabb - Philadelphia Eagles
Many fantasy owners were happy to take the gamble on Donovan McNabb, and the logic for doing so made sense. His value had taken a hit due to his injury struggles, but when healthy he has been a fantasy juggernaut. So drafting McNabb a round or two later than he typically would go seemed like a decent bargain. Until opening day, that is. McNabb looked uncomfortable and most important, he was horribly inaccurate. Yes, he was playing on the road against one of the better defenses in the league, but a 45% completion rate is just unacceptable. I do think McNabb has a good shot at rebounding and I wouldn't panic yet if I owned him, but if he turns in another poor performance this week, I'd bench him. The good news is that most McNabb owners probably grabbed a quality backup in lieu of his injury history, so you're at least prepared to deal with a McNabb fantasy demotion if we get to that point.

WR, Ronald Curry - Oakland Raiders
With so much offseason talk about JaMarcus Russell's contract, the signing of Culpepper and the addition of Dominic Rhodes - the wide receivers on this team whispered through an entire offseason with nary a mention. Curry quietly led the Raiders in receiving last year but many expected Jerry Porter to regain that crown upon his return. All we have to say is, Porter who? Ronald Curry picked up right where he left off last season, and with improved play from the quarterback position, Curry is quickly establishing himself as an NFL-quality #1 wide receiver. With more performances like week 1 under his belt, he will soon be considered a #1 fantasy wide receiver too. Pat yourself on the back if you took a flier on Curry in the mid-to-late rounds of your fantasy draft. Many people were asking the question this offseason - who is this year's Marques Colston? While Curry is no rookie, he could very well be the next no-name guy to hit star status.

RB, Thomas Jones - New York Jets
Many pundits and fantasy owners alike drooled when the Jets signed and annointed Thomas Jones as their offensive centerpiece. However, a preseason calf injury and a stinker in week 1 has all but pooped out the party on Thomas Jones. Is it too early to panic given their opponent was the New England Patriots? I'm of the mind that Thomas Jones is indeed primed to be a bust. He caught only 1 pass out of the backfield, and managed a Jamal Lewis-like 3.0 yards per carry, both are not encouraging signs for future production. He looked hesitant and slow in his runs and lacked that 'bowling-ball' burst that he had in Chicago. He's another one of those players that I'd be looking to sell as soon as he puts up a decent game. Leon Washington continues to be the guy to target in this backfield. Get Leon Washington, and then stash him away on your bench until Thomas Jones breaks down.

RB, Marshawn Lynch - Buffalo Bills
What can preseason tell you about a player? Apparently not much. Marshawn Lynch looked downright pedestrian throughout preseason play, but he erased all doubts anybody had about his talent and desire with a solid week 1 performance. He scratched out 90 yards on 19 carries in a performance that anyone watching would describe as 'gutsy'. What we saw against a good Denver defense was a rookie running back who consistently made positive yardage after first contact. Lynch is a hard-nosed grinding runner who can wear down a defense during the course of a game. In addition, Dick Jauron is one of the most die-hard RBBC coaches in the NFL so it was particularly encouraging to see Anthony Thomas limited to just 3 carries. This is clearly Marshawn Lynch's team and I think he's poised to post 1000+ yards on the ground in his rookie season.

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Week 1: Hot or Not

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