The Fantasy Football Blog

J.P. Losman (AP)

There are roughly one million reasons to love Week 1 of the NFL season.

The biggest from a fantasy football standpoint, however, may be the lack of injury question marks entering the week.

Generally speaking, you know where you stand with virtually everyone on your roster.

This will change as soon as next week, so enjoy the fact that you won’t be running from TV to computer during Sunday’s pregame shows looking for injury updates.

It will probably only last one week.

Regardless, let’s look at the guys who already have injury issues:

OUT — Rex Grossman (CHI-QB), Jerome Bettis (PIT-RB), Jeff Garcia (DET-QB).
Antonio Gates (SD-TE) will also miss Week 1, but not due to injury. He was suspended one game after an extended preseason holdout and will return next week.

OTHERS — It was originally thought that Brandon Stokely (IND-WR) would miss Week 1 with a shoulder injury, but he’s now listed as probable. If you have another reasonable option at the position, I’d let Stokely sit on your bench this week and then start him in Week 2.

Lee Suggs (CLE-RB) is considered doubtful for Sunday’s game against Cincinnati. Rueben Droughns (CLE-RB) is likely starting, but only use him if your other options are very limited.
Eric Johnson (SF-TE) is doubtful with a foot injury. If you have another option, definitely consider it.

SLEEPER — Willie Parker (PIT-RB) will get the start for the Steelers as Bettis and Duce Staley (PIT-RB) both suffered preseason injuries. Staley may still suit up for the game — he’s listed as questionable — but Parker should see the bulk of the carries.

A LITTLE SCARY — Be wary of Matt Hasselbeck (SEA-QB) this week. Playing at Jacksonville crushed a few quarterbacks last season and Hasselbeck could fall victim on Sunday.

If you have no other good options at the position, Hasselbeck isn’t terrible. But don’t expect him to blow the roof off this week.

BUST — Don't even consider J.P. Losman (BUF-QB) this week. Playing against an underrated Houston Texans defense, Losman could get lucky and post resonable numbers, but the likelihood is somewhere around six percent. Go elsewhere if possible.

Check back Monday morning for reactions to Sunday’s games and a quick preview of the Monday Night Football game between Philadelphia and Atlanta.