Here are some players to take a look at after the first week of the NFL season is in the books.
QB
Joe Flacco, Ravens-Do not expect 3 TD every time out, however under Harbaugh the Ravens are much less of a smash mouth, ball control, running team. He has good weapons in Mason, Heap and Clayton, so if the matchup is right, feel comfortable playing him.
Byron Leftwich, Bucs-Leftwich almost threw for 300 yards Sunday but you have to understand he did so as the Bucs were trying to comeback against the Cowboys. The good news is that as the Bucs defense adjusts to a new system, they may be behind often. Leftwich is not mobile at all, but as a backup, you could do worse.
Jeff Garcia, Eagles-Kevin Kolb is not the longterm backup answer in Philly, so for those McNabb owners, despite Kolb playing this week, Garcia is probably the best bet in case Donovan misses more time. He led the Eagles to the playoffs during his one season there and with all the weapons would be instantly starter worthy.
RB
Michael Bush, Raiders-Darren McFadden is the clear starter in Oakland, but it seems Bush will have enough of an opportunity to make an impact. He was involved on the goal line in their opener and scored a TD. Especially for McFadden owners, Bush is a solid add.
Cadillac Williams, Bucs-If for some reason caddy is still available, rush to your wire and get him. He started and looked great for the Bucs and with Earnest Graham being unselfish and not asking to go into the game, deferring to the hot hand, Williams' stock is rising. With 90 yards and a score vs. Dallas, he looked like the back of old.
Fred Jackson, Bills-There is no way this guy is available in your league, but do what you can to grab him. Even when Lynch returns, Jackson is a solid back to stash in case of injury. He showed quickness, toyghness and good pass catching skills in the near upset of the Pats, so expect more of the same for the few more games he is the starter.
Kevin Faulk, Patriots-While Fred Taylor scored a TD and Laurence Maroney rushed for some good yardage, Faulk is the most valuable Pats back because he plays the most snaps, is great in PPR formats and even on the 2-pt conversion attempts that failed, he was on the field. With the Pats looking as pass happy as ever, Faulk is surely a 4 catch guy weekly with the chance to score every time out.
WR
Devery Henderson, Saints
Every Saints skill position player on offense should be owned cause each has a chance to score. Even Heath Evans scored in Week 1. Grab Henderson if you can.
Louis Murphy, Raiders
It will be interesting to see whether Murphy or Heyward-Bay goes to the sidelines when starter Chaz Schillens is back for the Raiders, but for now, with that date unknown, Murphy is a solid bet to lead the team in catches. Heyward-Bay looked awful, while Murphy not only scored once, he had one overturned on a bad call. He is not a weekly starter, but a solid bench contributor.
Steve Smith, Giants
Smith provided a spark for the Giants in their opener against the Skins, however the injury to Hakeem Nicks opens the door for more of Smith making plays. He may not score often, but the targets and receptions will be there as Eli Manning looks for reliable targets.
TE
Ben Watson, Patriots-The chances of Watson having another 2 TD game this year are slim, but this at least shows that there are signs of life. Watson made two clutch catches and this should keep him out of the coaches doghouse...for a week at least.
Todd Heap, Ravens-Another TE that seems to have refound the wonder years, Heap grabbed 5 balls in the opener and scored as well. If he is a FA snag him and watch. If he can return to his old level of play, its a waiver wire steal.
Defenses to consider this week
Atlanta vs. Carolina-The Panthers looked terrible in Week 1 while Atlanta shut down Miami.
Washington vs. St. Louis-The Skins only allowed 1 offensive TD in the opener and the Rams were shut out.
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