Incase you haven’t heard by now, the Bills are going undefeated this season.
I’d also like to announce that Megan Fox and I have decided to take the next step in our relationship. The wedding will be held in January.
What? Both could happen.. albeit probably not in this lifetime, er, any other lifetime for that matter. But hey, I suppose it’s nice to dream.
Chan Gailey seems to be doing a lot of that lately, hasn’t he?
Sometimes dreams are so far-fetched and unrealistic you can’t help but laugh hysterically (which is what most people probably do upon learning of my infatuation with Megan Fox).
But that’s why we all love fantasy football, isn’t it?
After all, fantasy football has the word “fantasy” built right into it. Who doesn’t like having fantasies?
The word “fantasy” embodies the very meaning of unrealistic.
Let’s face it, none of us will ever be able to manage a pro sports team with Aaron Rodgers, Adrian Peterson and Calvin Johnson and have the opportunity to pit them against your father, brother, cousin, uncle, grandpa, buddy or, god forbid, your wife.
Hell, on any given week a team consisted of the likes I mentioned above can be blown out by one made up of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tim Hightower and Austin Collie.
It’s absurd. Utter insanity. Stuff like that would never happen in real life.
But that’s the beauty of it all. It’s fantasy. And it’s here folks.
This weekend we get down to business, starting later this evening as the Green Bay Packers begin the defense of their Super Bowl title against the team that held the same title this time last year, the New Orleans Saints.
By now were all drafted, and hopefully you took a good, long, hard look at my Sleepers and Busts before you made your picks (if not, well, hate to say it, but frankly you’re screwed).
Now, it’s time for me to pitch my “studs” and “duds” for this week. You’ll be well advised to take heed my advice, otherwise I’ll be laughing at you when my team is 1-0 come Tuesday and you’ve just gotten blown out by your girlfriend because you started Tony Romo over Matthew Stafford.
Luckily for you, my “Studs and Duds” feature will become a weekly staple here every Thursday at Buffalo Wins throughout the season, so don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.
Before we get started, let’s go over a few ground rules that will apply all year long.
A “stud” constitutes a player I feel is a must-start as he displays a very favorable match-up and is primed to put up a ton of points for that particular week.
A “dud” is a player who I feel is put into starting lineups far too often for that particular week or simply won’t perform up to expectations. In all liklihood, there is a much better option for your starting lineup than a “dud” based upon match-ups for the week.
I debated whether I wanted to simply just name five players regardless of position to be placed in the “stud” or “dud” category each week but instead I thought it would please you more if I named a “stud” and “dud” for each position. Seeing as I’m such a thoughtful guy, this will be my format every week this season.
*All statistics and projections are based off of the standard Yahoo! Sports PPR league scoring system.
Studs
Matthew Stafford, QB DET
Matchup vs Tampa Bay
Drew Stafford isn’t the only Stafford we’re expecting to have a monster season this year. In fact, this is the year Matthew is going to finally turn into the man-beast he was drafted to be a few years back. If you drafted him in your league, kudos to you, because you’ve gotten yourself one hell of a steal. Sure, the injuries are obviously a concern with Stafford, but hey, it’s Week 1, we know he’ll be healthy for at last this game. The Lions face off against a Buccaneers’ defense that is getting better, but still displays a ton of holes — especially in the secondary. We know that with Stafford healthy and “Megatron” getting down field the Lions are going to come out throwing. This one could very well turn into a shootout. Which means great things for you if you start Stafford.
Week 1 Forecast: 26-35, 322 yards, 3 touchdowns, 25 fantasy points.
Honorable mentions: Matt Schaub, Kevin Kolb
Darren McFadden, RB OAK
Matchup vs Denver
Alright, let’s face it, Darren McFadden IS Oakland’s offense. And that offense hasn’t changed a bit since finishing at the top of the league in rushing last season. Now pit one of the league’s best rushing attacks against one of, if not the worst run defense in the league (sorry Bills, you may lose that title this year) and you’ve got yourself a dream matchup the first week of the season. McFadden should have no issues running through a Broncos run defense that made no improvements over the off-season.
Week 1 Forecast: 23 carries, 114 yards, 1 touchdown. 3 catches, 26 yards, 1 touchdown. 28 fantasy points.
Ben Tate, RB HOU
Matchup vs Indianapolis
So we know this: Arian Foster will NOT be playing agianst the Colts come Sunday. Don’t listen to the reports he may play, he’s not. And so the undisputed backup ro Foster is Mr. Ben Tate. I pumped his case up a lot as a sleeper in your drafts for the very reason that any running back starting in Houston’s dynamic offense is a fantasy commodity. And the last time I checked, the Colts didn’t exactly have the best run defense in the league. They’re pretty terrible at it, actually. Houston always gives the Colts a run for their money, so if you need a good, solid flex option this week Tate would be a great start. I could possibly even justify him as a respectable RB No. 2 option in deep leagues.
Week 1 Forecast: 19 carries, 104 yards, 1 touchdown. 2 catches, 19 yards. 19 fantasy points.
Honorable mentions: LeSean McCoy, Beanie Wells
Vincent Jackson, WR SD
Matchup vs Minnesota
This season should prove to be night and day between V-Jax’s forgettable year last year, and it’ll all start this week versus the Vikings’ sad defense. Deteriorated corner back play should allow Rivers to throw all over Minnesota. You can’t ask for a better match-up for Jackson.
Week 1 Forecast: 11 catches, 104 yards, 1 touchdown, 21 fantasy points.
Kenny Britt, WR TEN
Matchup vs Jacksonville
Everyone seems to be worries about Kenny Britt this season. Don’t be. It turns out he won’t be suspended, and he’s got a new quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck to toss him the ball. Hasselbeck may not be the sexiest fantasy option, but he can still get the job done. One thing is for sure, he’s better than Vince Young, and if Kenny Britt can develop a rapport with his new gunslinger, expect good things to come, beginning this week against the Jaguars.
Week 1 Forecast: 8 catches, 112 yards, 1 touchdown, 18 fantasy points.
Honorable mentions: Wes Welker, Santonio Holmes
Lance Kendricks, TE STL
Matchup vs Philadelphia
The Eagles have struggled covering tight ends in the past, and Kendricks has had a pretty awesome preseason. That should set the stage very nicely for who should instantly become one of Sam Bradford’s favorite targets. I think I eluded to the fact that McDaniels will have this offense booming throughout the season. Expect nice things from Kendricks as McDaniels tends to treat his tight ends very well.
Week 1 Forecast: 6 catches, 87 yards, 1 touchdown, 15 fantasy points.
Honorable mentions: Brandon Pettigrew, Kellen Winslow
Duds
Tony Romo, QB DAL
Matchup vs New York Jets
Ah, Tony Romo. Who knows what we can really expect from him all year long? Especially after missing almost all of last year. We do know though that he’s not exactly poised to have the greatest season debut against the vaunted Jets defense. They’re going to blitz, blitz and blitz some more against a banged up Cowboys’ O-line. And when they’re not blitzing, Romo’s options down field will almost surely be blanketed by Derrelle Revis and company. I’d stay away this week, even though I love Romo for the remainder of the season.
Week 1 Forecast: 19-31, 210 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 10 fantasy points.
Honorable mentions: Jay Cutler, Joe Flacco
Maurice Jones-Drew, RB JAC
Matchup vs Tennessee
Most people are down on MJD this season, and that includes me as well. I just don’t see how that Jags offense will be able to put up points on a consistent basis, especially now that they’ve cut David Garrard. For Jones-Drew, the struggle to become relevant among the fantasy community will be a tough one. And with a matchup against a vastly underrated Titans’ defense, I hope you’re not relying on him too much this week.
Week 1 Forecast: 24 rushing attempts, 89 yards, 0 touchdowns, 3 catches, 21 yards, 8 fantasy points.
LaGarrette Blount, RB TB
Matchup vs Detroit
Blount is another guy I love this season but hate for the first week of the season. Like I said with Stafford above, this game has all the makings of a shootout, and that’s not good news for Blount owners. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sneaks a goal line score into the fold, but it’s not likely, especially seeing as Detroit’s defensive front is becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Week 1 Forecast: 21 rushing attempts, 83 yards, 0 touchdowns, 2 catches, 12 yards, 6 fantasy points.
Honorable mentions: Matt Forte, Shonn Greene
Miles Austin, WR DAL
Matchup vs New York Jets
See Romo, Tony. The only thing Austin will be on the recieving end of on Sunday is a heavy dose of Darrelle Revis. Need I say more?
Week 1 Forecast: 4 catches, 64 yards, 0 touchdowns, 6 fantasy points.
Brandon Lloyd, WR DEN
Matchup vs Oakland
Who do you think will miss Josh McDaniels more in Denver? Tim Tebow or Brandon Lloyd. Tebow has already found out the hard way just how rough life is without McDaniels, and Lloyd is soon to come to the same reality. I don’t believe Lloyd will have a very good year at all in John Fox’s run-first offense, so it’s only logical to think he won’t have the best debut against an underrated Raiders’ D. Even with the loss of Asomugha, the Raiders will shut down the Broncos in every facet this week. Don’t rely on Lloyd unless you have to.
Week 1 Forecast: 5 catches, 78 yards, 0 touchdowns, 8 fantasy points.
Honorable mentions: Marques Colston, DeSean Jackson
Dallas Clark, TE IND
Matchup vs Houston
Although he is probably the member of the Colts’ offense that will least feel the hurt of the absense of Peyton Manning, there’s no doubt his value will take a hit. Every single one of the Colts’ recieving options are benefitiaries of Manning’s briliance. On any other team, they simply wouldn’t be as high a fantasy comodity. I’d stay away from Clark at least through week one until we’re able to see the extent Manning’s injury will hurt this offense’s production.
Week 1 Forecast: 6 catches, 84 yards, 0 touchdowns, 9 points.
Honorable mentions: Kellen Winslow, Rob Gronkowski
Buffalo Bills Fantasy Meter: Week 1 vs Kansas City
Stay far, far away from ANY Bills in this matchup. Do you have any idea who’s going to be getting the ball? Yeah, me neither. Let’s wait and see before we get carried away.
Disagree with something I said? Well, let me hear it in the comment box! Better yet, follow me on Twitter if you seek ansers to any additional fantasy questions you may have @THWGoldSchlager.
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