Week One of the NFL season is in the books and it did not disappoint. We witnessed the comeback of a legend with Peyton Manning, and maybe a peek into the future with the Young Robert Griffin III. We also witnessed the most 40 point games in the history of opening weekend in the NFL. Some players exceeded expectations, while others did not quite live up to the hype. With the first game of the week this Thursday here are some players who should have great weeks and some that you should stay away from.
Put Me in the Game Coach
Jordy Nelson – With the injury to Greg Jennings look for Jordy to step up in a big way. Jennings doesn’t stand to be out long but playing a Thursday night game on a short week they might hold him out. Last year with Jennings in and out of the lineup he put up only one less touchdown than Megatron Calvin Johnson.
Kevin Ogletree – I know its easy to think this guy will be a one week wonder but I don’t think so. Against the Seahawks defense he will once again be looked to produce in one on one match-ups as the 3rd receiver with Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner locking down the outside.
CJ Spiller – The Buffalo Bills have been hit with the injury bug very early this year. Losing Fred Jackson and David Nelson against the Jets leaves the field wide open for Spiller to be a fantasy beast. With his ability to create in open space and catch the ball out of the backfield he will be especially useful in PPR leagues.
Robert Griffin III – This guy is the real deal. And the fact that he gets to go against the Rams this week makes for another solid day at the park for Mr. Griffin.
I’m Not Ready This Week
Kevin Smith – The San Fransisco 49ers don’t give up rushing yards or touchdowns. Although he had a solid start last week look for him to struggle against this defense.
Maurice Jones-Drew – Ask Reggie Bush how good that Texans defense is. He looked good against the Vikings, but the Texans will present a bit more of a challenge. Depending on how serious Rashad Jennings injury is the extra workload could fatigue him early.
Torrey Smith – Eagles my have one the best secondaries in the league. Although Joe Flacco is a far better option at quarterback than Brandon Weeden don’t expect him to produce the same gaudy numbers and big plays we are accustomed to seeing from Smith.
D’Angelo Williams – Even with Jonathan Stewart out he could not produce 2 fantasy points. He let a lot of fantasy owners down last week and I’m sure the coaching staff have zero confidence in him.
Waiver Wire Warriors
These guys, especially in deeper leagues are worth the roster moves if they haven’t already been taken up by smarter players.
Afred Morris – He impressed with his first start and although the Redskin Running Back situation upset people last year he seems like he is the real deal.
Curtis Brinkley – Although he did not have great numbers, he did have 10 carries and 3 catches splitting time with Ronnie Brown. If you happen to have Fred Jackson or Ryan Matthews on your team he would be a solid pick up to fill a void as an RB2 or flex.
Jeremy Kerley/Stephen Hill – These talented young recievers are emerging as weapons for a Jets offense that struggled scoring TDs all preseason. With Kerley’s return ability he has the ability to get extra points in leagues that give bonuses for return yards and touchdowns.