Fantasy Stars: Week 1 Fantasy Preview

The first week of the season is always filled with surprises, but there are some players out there who can be counted on for good points. There are also some that will make owners sorry they weren't benched.

Stud players like Peyton Manning, Tomlinson, Priest Holmes, etc won't be listed here because they should be starting every week. If a stud is listed here, it is because I think they will have a huge day. Also, no kickers. They are too unpredictable week-to-week.


Quarterbacks
STARS:
Chad Pennington(NYJ) - A gift in week 1 against the lame KC defense. Daunte Culpepper(Min) - This is a no-brainer every week, but I think Daunte will be HUGE in week 1. Marc Bulger(StL) - Week 1 against the 49ers, enough said. Donovan McNabb(Phi) - Has something to prove.

Rising Stars:
JP Losman(Buf) - If he's going to be good this year, the Texans are the team where it will show. Byron Leftwich(Jac) - The Jags are opening up the offense and Seattle always under-performs on the road.

Falling Stars:
Ben Roethlisberger(Pit) - He hasn't looked good since the end of the regular season last year, and he was never big in Fantasy play, anyway. He shouldn't even be on your roster. Drew Brees(SD) - He comes back to earth this year. Michael Vick(Atl) - Seriously, he shouldn't be on a fantasy roster in leagues smaller than 12 teams.


Running Backs
STARS:
Corey Dillon(NE) - Against that Raiders D, and wanting to control the clock, Belichik will use Dillon. Mike Anderson(Den) - This might be wishful thinking, but I think Anderson will have a big day at Miami. He still has Bell breathing down his back. Steven Jackson(StL) - A great pre-season and now he opens against the 49ers. This could be the best back to have in week 1. Curtis Martin(NYJ) - The KC defense couldn't stop...me!

Rising Stars:
Willie Parker(Pit) - He's the first week starter, and Big Ben is struggling. The Steelers will lean on Parker. Carnell (Cadillac) Williams(TB) - The Vikings defense gave up big yards to top backs in pre-season and they are still gelling. Williams could go big. Stephen Davis(Car) - He's back and he's healthy.

Falling Stars:
Lamont Jordan(Oak) - A lackluster beginning for the over-hyped back. The Patriots will shut him down. Clinton Portis(Was) - He was a disappointment last season and will start out that way again against a tough Bears D.


Receivers and Tight Ends
Stars:
Randy Moss(Oak) - Patriot backfield won't be able to hold him down. Laveranues Coles/Justin McCareins(NYJ) - Should go wild against KC defense and both should be starting. Nate Burleson(Min) - The new Viking playmaker.

Rising Stars:
Deion Branch(NE) - Finished strong last year and should start that way against Oakland D. Reggie Williams(Jac) - Will benefit from opened-up defense and Jimmy Smith double-teams.

Falling Stars:
Hines Ward(Pit) - Ben's struggles will hurt Ward's stats. Antonio Gates(SD) - Dallas' D will focus on stopping him. Marvin Harrison/Brandon Stokley/Reggie Wayne(Ind) - The Ravens at home and they are very motivated.


Defense/Special Teams
STARS: Buffalo Bills - They open at home against a weak Texans offense. Carolina Panthers - The Saints will struggle out of the gate. Pittsburgh Steelers - All 11 starters are back! Baltimore Ravens - I think they're the elite defense this year. Philadelphia Eagles - The real reason the Eagles went to the Super Bowl last year.

Rising Stars: Denver Broncos - No Ricky, no QB, no offense in Miami. Jacksonville Jaguars - Will take advantage of many Seattle mistakes. Arizona Cardinals - They have quietly built a very good defense. Dallas Cowboys - They really looked good in the pre-season and San Diego was exposed a bit in the playoffs last year.

Falling Stars: None yet. It is so early in the season that it's hard to get a feel for many of the teams. If I had to pick one, it would be San Diego or Cincinnati.